Charles City, IA
Population 7,321 · Iowa
About Charles City, IA
Charles City is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 7,321 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,734 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Charles City features a median home value of $118,900, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Charles City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $628, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,621 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (2,149 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (1,118 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Charles City shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Charles City have an average one-way commute time of 14.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.6% of Charles City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 4.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 5.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Charles City, IA
Compared to national averages, Charles City has a median household income of $56,734 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $118,900, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $628 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Charles City's income is 17% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 10% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Charles City, IA?
Charles City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $118,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $628/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,734) that falls below the national average. However, Charles City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Charles City has a population of 7,321 with a median age of 42.7 years. Compare Charles City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Charles City
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 7,314 | $56,536 | $144,500 | Compare |
| Hiawatha | 7,178 | $67,628 | $210,200 | Compare |
| Creston | 7,466 | $50,752 | $112,600 | Compare |
| Knoxville | 7,493 | $70,136 | $147,600 | Compare |
| Decorah | 7,597 | $62,177 | $234,600 | Compare |
| Clear Lake | 7,603 | $70,278 | $235,100 | Compare |
| Nevada | 6,952 | $75,221 | $177,800 | Compare |
| Webster City | 7,769 | $65,844 | $115,400 | 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 Charles City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Charles City
What is the population of Charles City, IA?
The population of Charles City, IA is 7,321 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Charles City?
The median household income in Charles City, IA is $56,734 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Charles City?
The median home value in Charles City, IA is $118,900, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Charles City?
The median monthly rent in Charles City, IA is $628, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Charles City?
The unemployment rate in Charles City, IA is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Charles City, IA a good place to live?
Charles City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,321 and a median age of 42.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Charles City, IA?
15.6% of residents in Charles City 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 Charles City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Charles City, IA: median home value is $118,900 (51% below national), median rent is $628/month, and median household income is $56,734. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Charles City?
The poverty rate in Charles City, IA is 13.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Charles City, IA?
Charles City's population is 4.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 5.8% of residents are foreign-born.