Clarion, IA
Population 2,775 · Iowa
About Clarion, IA
Clarion is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 2,775 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,702 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Clarion features a median home value of $107,600, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Clarion one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $764, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,508 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (887 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (454 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clarion shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Clarion have an average one-way commute time of 12 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.4% of Clarion 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 14.7% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.7% Asian residents, with 6.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Clarion, IA
Compared to national averages, Clarion has a median household income of $58,702 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $107,600, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $764 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Clarion's income is 14% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 19% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Clarion, IA?
Clarion offers affordable housing with a median home value of $107,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $764/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 12 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,702) that falls below the national average. However, Clarion’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clarion has a population of 2,775 with a median age of 38.3 years. Compare Clarion with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Clarion
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postville | 2,787 | $47,281 | $100,300 | Compare |
| Grundy Center | 2,794 | $77,540 | $173,200 | Compare |
| Madrid | 2,803 | $86,915 | $185,100 | Compare |
| Sibley | 2,821 | $54,767 | $119,800 | Compare |
| Marengo | 2,823 | $58,125 | $114,100 | Compare |
| Bloomfield | 2,723 | $61,679 | $122,600 | Compare |
| Park View | 2,861 | $106,429 | $276,500 | Compare |
| Onawa | 2,862 | $54,659 | $125,700 | 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 Clarion With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Clarion
What is the population of Clarion, IA?
The population of Clarion, IA is 2,775 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 Clarion?
The median household income in Clarion, IA is $58,702 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clarion?
The median home value in Clarion, IA is $107,600, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Clarion?
The median monthly rent in Clarion, IA is $764, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clarion?
The unemployment rate in Clarion, IA is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Clarion, IA a good place to live?
Clarion offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,775 and a median age of 38.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Clarion, IA?
25.4% of residents in Clarion 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 Clarion?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clarion, IA: median home value is $107,600 (56% below national), median rent is $764/month, and median household income is $58,702. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Clarion?
The poverty rate in Clarion, IA is 14.3%, 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 Clarion, IA?
Clarion's population is 14.7% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.7% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 6.8% of residents are foreign-born.