Cresco, IA
Population 3,901 · Iowa
About Cresco, IA
Cresco is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 3,901 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,769 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cresco features a median home value of $105,200, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Cresco one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $814, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,795 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (1,077 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (439 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cresco shows an unemployment rate of 0.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Cresco have an average one-way commute time of 16.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.9% of Cresco 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 1.7% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Cresco With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cresco
What is the population of Cresco, IA?
The population of Cresco, IA is 3,901 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 Cresco?
The median household income in Cresco, IA is $60,769 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cresco?
The median home value in Cresco, IA is $105,200, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cresco?
The median monthly rent in Cresco, IA is $814, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cresco?
The unemployment rate in Cresco, IA is 0.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Cresco, IA a good place to live?
Cresco offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,901 and a median age of 39.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Cresco, IA?
19.9% of residents in Cresco 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 Cresco?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cresco, IA: median home value is $105,200 (57% below national), median rent is $814/month, and median household income is $60,769. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cresco?
The poverty rate in Cresco, IA is 11.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Cresco, IA?
Cresco's population is 1.7% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.