Clarinda, IA
Population 5,366 · Iowa
About Clarinda, IA
Clarinda is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 5,366 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,644 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Clarinda features a median home value of $112,200, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Clarinda one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $653, 44% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,261 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (1,278 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (652 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clarinda shows an unemployment rate of 9.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Clarinda have an average one-way commute time of 16.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.7% of Clarinda 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 2.9% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 2.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Clarinda, IA
Compared to national averages, Clarinda has a median household income of $50,644 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $112,200, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $653 is 44% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Clarinda's income is 25% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 15% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Clarinda, IA?
Clarinda offers affordable housing with a median home value of $112,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $653/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.6%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,644) that falls below the national average. However, Clarinda’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clarinda has a population of 5,366 with a median age of 40.9 years. Compare Clarinda with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Clarinda
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centerville | 5,377 | $41,472 | $99,000 | Compare |
| Winterset | 5,384 | $69,268 | $181,500 | Compare |
| Sheldon | 5,386 | $68,448 | $173,600 | Compare |
| Algona | 5,414 | $52,542 | $156,200 | Compare |
| Tiffin | 5,271 | $106,034 | $315,800 | Compare |
| Spirit Lake | 5,469 | $73,627 | $218,400 | Compare |
| Osceola | 5,495 | $62,363 | $145,300 | Compare |
| DeWitt | 5,535 | $84,474 | $223,100 | 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 Clarinda With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Clarinda
What is the population of Clarinda, IA?
The population of Clarinda, IA is 5,366 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 Clarinda?
The median household income in Clarinda, IA is $50,644 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clarinda?
The median home value in Clarinda, IA is $112,200, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Clarinda?
The median monthly rent in Clarinda, IA is $653, which is 44% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clarinda?
The unemployment rate in Clarinda, IA is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Clarinda, IA a good place to live?
Clarinda offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,366 and a median age of 40.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Clarinda, IA?
13.7% of residents in Clarinda 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 Clarinda?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clarinda, IA: median home value is $112,200 (54% below national), median rent is $653/month, and median household income is $50,644. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Clarinda?
The poverty rate in Clarinda, IA is 11.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Clarinda, IA?
Clarinda's population is 2.9% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 4.5% two or more races. 2.8% of residents are foreign-born.