Clarence, IA
Population 1,223 · Iowa
About Clarence, IA
Clarence is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,223 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,875 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Clarence features a median home value of $137,800, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Clarence one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $925, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 557 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (319 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (182 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clarence shows an unemployment rate of 0.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Clarence have an average one-way commute time of 30.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.3% of Clarence 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, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Clarence Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Clarence, IA
Compared to national averages, Clarence has a median household income of $56,875 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $137,800, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $925 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Clarence's income is 16% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 4% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Clarence, IA?
Clarence offers affordable housing with a median home value of $137,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $925/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.6%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,875) that falls below the national average. However, Clarence’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clarence has a population of 1,223 with a median age of 34.5 years. Compare Clarence with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Clarence
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jewell Junction | 1,225 | $75,313 | $128,300 | Compare |
| Melcher-Dallas | 1,228 | $72,824 | $94,600 | Compare |
| Treynor | 1,228 | $132,679 | $250,000 | Compare |
| University Heights | 1,232 | $105,172 | $393,200 | Compare |
| Laurens | 1,234 | $56,354 | $71,000 | Compare |
| Marcus | 1,236 | $75,288 | $174,100 | Compare |
| Springville | 1,210 | $96,250 | $175,900 | Compare |
| Fayette | 1,242 | $39,297 | $123,300 | 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 Clarence With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Clarence
What is the population of Clarence, IA?
The population of Clarence, IA is 1,223 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 Clarence?
The median household income in Clarence, IA is $56,875 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clarence?
The median home value in Clarence, IA is $137,800, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Clarence?
The median monthly rent in Clarence, IA is $925, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clarence?
The unemployment rate in Clarence, IA is 0.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Clarence, IA a good place to live?
Clarence offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,223 and a median age of 34.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Clarence, IA?
11.3% of residents in Clarence 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 Clarence?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clarence, IA: median home value is $137,800 (44% below national), median rent is $925/month, and median household income is $56,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Clarence?
The poverty rate in Clarence, IA is 17.4%, 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 Clarence, IA?
Clarence's population is 0.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.