Creston, IA
Population 7,466 · Iowa
About Creston, IA
Creston is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 7,466 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,752 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Creston features a median home value of $112,600, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Creston one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $672, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,823 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (2,190 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (1,150 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Creston shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Creston have an average one-way commute time of 12.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.9% of Creston residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.5% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Creston, IA
Compared to national averages, Creston has a median household income of $50,752 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $112,600, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $672 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Creston's income is 25% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 15% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Creston, IA?
Creston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $112,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $672/month, and short commute times averaging just 12.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,752) that falls below the national average. However, Creston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Creston has a population of 7,466 with a median age of 39.7 years. Compare Creston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Creston
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knoxville | 7,493 | $70,136 | $147,600 | Compare |
| Decorah | 7,597 | $62,177 | $234,600 | Compare |
| Clear Lake | 7,603 | $70,278 | $235,100 | Compare |
| Charles City | 7,321 | $56,734 | $118,900 | Compare |
| Washington | 7,314 | $56,536 | $144,500 | Compare |
| Hiawatha | 7,178 | $67,628 | $210,200 | Compare |
| Webster City | 7,769 | $65,844 | $115,400 | Compare |
| Perry | 7,928 | $63,983 | $122,100 | 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 Creston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Creston
What is the population of Creston, IA?
The population of Creston, IA is 7,466 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 Creston?
The median household income in Creston, IA is $50,752 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Creston?
The median home value in Creston, IA is $112,600, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Creston?
The median monthly rent in Creston, IA is $672, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Creston?
The unemployment rate in Creston, IA is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Creston, IA a good place to live?
Creston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,466 and a median age of 39.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Creston, IA?
23.9% of residents in Creston 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 Creston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Creston, IA: median home value is $112,600 (54% below national), median rent is $672/month, and median household income is $50,752. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Creston?
The poverty rate in Creston, IA is 16.0%, 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 Creston, IA?
Creston's population is 2.5% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.