Decorah, IA
Population 7,597 · Iowa
About Decorah, IA
Decorah is a small community in Iowa with a population of 7,597 residents. The median household income is $62,177 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Decorah is 36.5 years.
Housing in Decorah has a median home value of $234,600 and median monthly rent of $788. Of the 3,277 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,885 owner-occupied and 1,028 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Decorah is 3.8% and the poverty rate is 7.7%. 46.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 12.4 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Decorah
What is the population of Decorah, IA?
The population of Decorah, IA is 7,597 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Decorah?
The median household income in Decorah, IA is $62,177 per year.
What is the median home value in Decorah?
The median home value in Decorah, IA is $234,600.
What is the average rent in Decorah?
The median monthly rent in Decorah, IA is $788.
What is the unemployment rate in Decorah?
The unemployment rate in Decorah, IA is 3.8%.