Cresco, IA
Population 3,901 · Iowa
About Cresco, IA
Cresco is a small community in Iowa with a population of 3,901 residents. The median household income is $60,769 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Cresco is 39.5 years.
Housing in Cresco has a median home value of $105,200 and median monthly rent of $814. Of the 1,795 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,077 owner-occupied and 439 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Cresco is 0.2% and the poverty rate is 11.3%. 19.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 16.7 minutes.
How Cresco Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Cresco, IA
Compared to national averages, Cresco has a median household income of $60,769 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $105,200, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $814 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Cresco's income is 11% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 20% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Cresco, IA?
Cresco offers affordable housing with a median home value of $105,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $814/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 16.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,769) that falls below the national average. However, Cresco’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cresco has a population of 3,901 with a median age of 39.5 years. Compare Cresco with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Cresco
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukon | 3,796 | $56,250 | $133,700 | Compare |
| West Liberty | 3,795 | $66,132 | $169,500 | Compare |
| Carter Lake | 3,773 | $75,037 | $161,200 | Compare |
| Monticello | 4,055 | $67,788 | $160,500 | Compare |
| Rock Valley | 4,061 | $67,012 | $225,800 | Compare |
| Albia | 3,688 | $67,791 | $132,500 | Compare |
| Emmetsburg | 3,651 | $57,353 | $114,600 | Compare |
| Jefferson | 4,164 | $54,286 | $126,900 | 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 Cresco
What is the population of Cresco, IA?
The population of Cresco, IA is 3,901 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Cresco?
The median household income in Cresco, IA is $60,769 per year.
What is the median home value in Cresco?
The median home value in Cresco, IA is $105,200.
What is the average rent in Cresco?
The median monthly rent in Cresco, IA is $814.
What is the unemployment rate in Cresco?
The unemployment rate in Cresco, IA is 0.2%.