Charter Oak, IA
Population 489 · Iowa
About Charter Oak, IA
Charter Oak is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 489 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,068 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 59.5 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 Charter Oak features a median home value of $81,600, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Charter Oak one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $710, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 229 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (147 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (76 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Charter Oak shows an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Charter Oak have an average one-way commute time of 23.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.8% of Charter Oak 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 0.8% White, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Charter Oak, IA
Compared to national averages, Charter Oak has a median household income of $58,068 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $81,600, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $710 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Charter Oak's income is 15% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 38% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Charter Oak, IA?
Charter Oak offers affordable housing with a median home value of $81,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $710/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.5%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,068) that falls below the national average. However, Charter Oak’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Charter Oak has a population of 489 with a median age of 59.5 years. Compare Charter Oak with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Charter Oak
What is the population of Charter Oak, IA?
The population of Charter Oak, IA is 489 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Charter Oak?
The median household income in Charter Oak, IA is $58,068 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Charter Oak?
The median home value in Charter Oak, IA is $81,600, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Charter Oak?
The median monthly rent in Charter Oak, IA is $710, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Charter Oak?
The unemployment rate in Charter Oak, IA is 1.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Charter Oak, IA a good place to live?
Charter Oak offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 489 and a median age of 59.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Charter Oak, IA?
9.8% of residents in Charter Oak 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 Charter Oak?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Charter Oak, IA: median home value is $81,600 (67% below national), median rent is $710/month, and median household income is $58,068. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Charter Oak?
The poverty rate in Charter Oak, IA is 12.7%, 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 Charter Oak, IA?
Charter Oak's population is 0.8% White, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.