Collins, IA
Population 493 · Iowa
About Collins, IA
Collins is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 493 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,292 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33 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 Collins features a median home value of $130,700, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Collins one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $883, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 202 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (145 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (49 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Collins shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Collins have an average one-way commute time of 30.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.4% of Collins 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 1.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Collins, IA
Compared to national averages, Collins has a median household income of $67,292 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $130,700, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $883 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Collins's income is 1% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 1% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Collins, IA?
Collins offers affordable housing with a median home value of $130,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $883/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,292) that falls below the national average. However, Collins’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Collins has a population of 493 with a median age of 33 years. Compare Collins 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 Collins
What is the population of Collins, IA?
The population of Collins, IA is 493 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 Collins?
The median household income in Collins, IA is $67,292 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Collins?
The median home value in Collins, IA is $130,700, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Collins?
The median monthly rent in Collins, IA is $883, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Collins?
The unemployment rate in Collins, IA is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Collins, IA a good place to live?
Collins offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 493 and a median age of 33, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Collins, IA?
16.4% of residents in Collins 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 Collins?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Collins, IA: median home value is $130,700 (47% below national), median rent is $883/month, and median household income is $67,292. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Collins?
The poverty rate in Collins, IA is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Collins, IA?
Collins's population is 1.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.