Curlew, IA
Population 43 · Iowa
About Curlew, IA
Curlew is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 43 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,750 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 61.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Curlew features a median home value of $47,000, which is 81% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Curlew one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 44 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (19 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (3 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Curlew shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Curlew have an average one-way commute time of 28.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
5.6% of Curlew 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Curlew Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Curlew, IA
Compared to national averages, Curlew has a median household income of $63,750 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $47,000, which is 81% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Curlew's income is 6% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 64% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Curlew, IA?
Curlew offers affordable housing with a median home value of $47,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,750) that falls below the national average. However, Curlew’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Curlew has a population of 43 with a median age of 61.3 years. Compare Curlew with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Curlew
What is the population of Curlew, IA?
The population of Curlew, IA is 43 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Curlew?
The median household income in Curlew, IA is $63,750 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Curlew?
The median home value in Curlew, IA is $47,000, which is 81% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Curlew?
The median monthly rent in Curlew, IA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Curlew?
The unemployment rate in Curlew, IA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Curlew, IA a good place to live?
Curlew offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 43 and a median age of 61.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Curlew, IA?
5.6% of residents in Curlew 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 Curlew?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Curlew, IA: median home value is $47,000 (81% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $63,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Curlew?
The poverty rate in Curlew, IA is 16.3%, 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 Curlew, IA?
Curlew's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.