Council Bluffs, IA
Population 62,564 · Iowa
About Council Bluffs, IA
Council Bluffs is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 62,564 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,092 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Council Bluffs features a median home value of $164,300, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Council Bluffs in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $980, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 27,576 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (16,586 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (9,308 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Council Bluffs shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Council Bluffs have an average one-way commute time of 18.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.7% of Council Bluffs 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 9.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 4.7% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Council Bluffs With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Council Bluffs?
The median household income in Council Bluffs, IA is $64,092 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Council Bluffs?
The median home value in Council Bluffs, IA is $164,300, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Council Bluffs?
The median monthly rent in Council Bluffs, IA is $980, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Council Bluffs?
The unemployment rate in Council Bluffs, IA is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Council Bluffs, IA a good place to live?
Council Bluffs offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 62,564 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Council Bluffs, IA?
21.7% of residents in Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Council Bluffs, IA: median home value is $164,300 (33% below national), median rent is $980/month, and median household income is $64,092. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Council Bluffs?
The poverty rate in Council Bluffs, IA is 13.2%, 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 Council Bluffs, IA?
Council Bluffs's population is 9.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 4.7% of residents are foreign-born.