Decorah, IA
Population 7,597 · Iowa
About Decorah, IA
Decorah is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 7,597 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,177 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Decorah features a median home value of $234,600, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Decorah in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $788, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,277 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (1,885 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (1,028 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Decorah shows an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Decorah have an average one-way commute time of 12.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
46.1% of Decorah residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 3.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Decorah, IA
Compared to national averages, Decorah has a median household income of $62,177 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $234,600, which is 4% below the national median. Monthly rent at $788 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Decorah's income is 8% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 77% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Decorah, IA?
Decorah offers affordable housing with a median home value of $234,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $788/month, and a well-educated community where 46.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 12.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,177) that falls below the national average. However, Decorah’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Decorah has a population of 7,597 with a median age of 36.5 years. Compare Decorah with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Decorah
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Lake | 7,603 | $70,278 | $235,100 | Compare |
| Knoxville | 7,493 | $70,136 | $147,600 | Compare |
| Creston | 7,466 | $50,752 | $112,600 | Compare |
| Webster City | 7,769 | $65,844 | $115,400 | Compare |
| Charles City | 7,321 | $56,734 | $118,900 | Compare |
| Washington | 7,314 | $56,536 | $144,500 | Compare |
| Perry | 7,928 | $63,983 | $122,100 | Compare |
| Hiawatha | 7,178 | $67,628 | $210,200 | 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 Decorah With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Decorah
What is the population of Decorah, IA?
The population of Decorah, IA is 7,597 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 Decorah?
The median household income in Decorah, IA is $62,177 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Decorah?
The median home value in Decorah, IA is $234,600, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Decorah?
The median monthly rent in Decorah, IA is $788, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Decorah?
The unemployment rate in Decorah, IA is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Decorah, IA a good place to live?
Decorah offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,597 and a median age of 36.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Decorah, IA?
46.1% of residents in Decorah aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Decorah?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Decorah, IA: median home value is $234,600 (4% below national), median rent is $788/month, and median household income is $62,177. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Decorah?
The poverty rate in Decorah, IA is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Decorah, IA?
Decorah's population is 1.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 3.8% of residents are foreign-born.