Cedar Rapids, IA
Population 136,859 · Iowa
About Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids is a major city located in Iowa with a population of 136,859 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,859 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cedar Rapids features a median home value of $177,100, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Cedar Rapids in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $925, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 63,669 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (40,149 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (18,721 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cedar Rapids shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Cedar Rapids have an average one-way commute time of 18.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
32.9% of Cedar Rapids residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 7.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Cedar Rapids Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Cedar Rapids, IA
Compared to national averages, Cedar Rapids has a median household income of $67,859 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $177,100, which is 28% below the national median. Monthly rent at $925 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Cedar Rapids's income is 0% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 34% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Cedar Rapids offers affordable housing with a median home value of $177,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $925/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.8%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,859) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Cedar Rapids provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Cedar Rapids has a population of 136,859 with a median age of 36.9 years. Compare Cedar Rapids with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Cedar Rapids
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport | 101,083 | $64,497 | $162,900 | Compare |
| Sioux City | 85,651 | $65,473 | $162,600 | Compare |
| Iowa City | 75,264 | $57,533 | $273,600 | Compare |
| Ankeny | 70,542 | $106,603 | $311,300 | Compare |
| West Des Moines | 69,893 | $84,925 | $286,300 | Compare |
| Waterloo | 66,947 | $56,344 | $150,200 | Compare |
| Ames | 66,112 | $60,102 | $263,800 | Compare |
| Council Bluffs | 62,564 | $64,092 | $164,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Cedar Rapids With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cedar Rapids
What is the population of Cedar Rapids, IA?
The population of Cedar Rapids, IA is 136,859 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Cedar Rapids?
The median household income in Cedar Rapids, IA is $67,859 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cedar Rapids?
The median home value in Cedar Rapids, IA is $177,100, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cedar Rapids?
The median monthly rent in Cedar Rapids, IA is $925, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cedar Rapids?
The unemployment rate in Cedar Rapids, IA is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA a good place to live?
Cedar Rapids offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 136,859 and a median age of 36.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Cedar Rapids, IA?
32.9% of residents in Cedar Rapids aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cedar Rapids, IA: median home value is $177,100 (28% below national), median rent is $925/month, and median household income is $67,859. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cedar Rapids?
The poverty rate in Cedar Rapids, IA is 11.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Cedar Rapids, IA?
Cedar Rapids's population is 3.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 8.3% two or more races. 7.1% of residents are foreign-born.