Council Bluffs, IA
Population 62,564 · Iowa
About Council Bluffs, IA
Council Bluffs is a mid-sized city in Iowa with a population of 62,564 residents. The median household income is $64,092 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Council Bluffs is 39 years.
Housing in Council Bluffs has a median home value of $164,300 and median monthly rent of $980. Of the 27,576 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 16,586 owner-occupied and 9,308 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Council Bluffs is 4.2% and the poverty rate is 13.2%. 21.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.6 minutes.
How Council Bluffs Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Council Bluffs, IA
Compared to national averages, Council Bluffs has a median household income of $64,092 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $164,300, which is 33% below the national median. Monthly rent at $980 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Council Bluffs's income is 6% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 24% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Council Bluffs, IA?
Council Bluffs offers affordable housing with a median home value of $164,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $980/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,092) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Council Bluffs provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Council Bluffs has a population of 62,564 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Council Bluffs with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Council Bluffs
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubuque | 59,271 | $64,985 | $193,100 | Compare |
| Ames | 66,112 | $60,102 | $263,800 | Compare |
| Waterloo | 66,947 | $56,344 | $150,200 | Compare |
| West Des Moines | 69,893 | $84,925 | $286,300 | Compare |
| Ankeny | 70,542 | $106,603 | $311,300 | Compare |
| Iowa City | 75,264 | $57,533 | $273,600 | Compare |
| Urbandale | 46,026 | $113,086 | $318,800 | Compare |
| Marion | 41,690 | $87,105 | $230,800 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Council Bluffs
What is the population of Council Bluffs, IA?
The population of Council Bluffs, IA is 62,564 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Council Bluffs?
The median household income in Council Bluffs, IA is $64,092 per year.
What is the median home value in Council Bluffs?
The median home value in Council Bluffs, IA is $164,300.
What is the average rent in Council Bluffs?
The median monthly rent in Council Bluffs, IA is $980.
What is the unemployment rate in Council Bluffs?
The unemployment rate in Council Bluffs, IA is 4.2%.