Denison, IA
Population 8,247 · Iowa
About Denison, IA
Denison is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 8,247 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,850 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Denison features a median home value of $137,600, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Denison one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $770, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,187 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (2,218 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (777 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Denison shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 20.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Denison have an average one-way commute time of 13.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.5% of Denison 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 25.6% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 23.1% Asian residents, with 27.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Denison Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Denison, IA
Compared to national averages, Denison has a median household income of $63,850 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $137,600, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $770 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Denison's income is 6% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 4% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Denison, IA?
Denison offers affordable housing with a median home value of $137,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $770/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 13.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,850) that falls below the national average. However, Denison’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Denison has a population of 8,247 with a median age of 34 years. Compare Denison with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Denison
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Center | 8,335 | $87,555 | $275,900 | Compare |
| Bondurant | 8,061 | $128,341 | $288,600 | Compare |
| Perry | 7,928 | $63,983 | $122,100 | Compare |
| Webster City | 7,769 | $65,844 | $115,400 | Compare |
| Clear Lake | 7,603 | $70,278 | $235,100 | Compare |
| Decorah | 7,597 | $62,177 | $234,600 | Compare |
| Knoxville | 7,493 | $70,136 | $147,600 | Compare |
| Creston | 7,466 | $50,752 | $112,600 | 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 Denison With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Denison
What is the population of Denison, IA?
The population of Denison, IA is 8,247 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 Denison?
The median household income in Denison, IA is $63,850 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Denison?
The median home value in Denison, IA is $137,600, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Denison?
The median monthly rent in Denison, IA is $770, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Denison?
The unemployment rate in Denison, IA is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Denison, IA a good place to live?
Denison offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 8,247 and a median age of 34, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Denison, IA?
18.5% of residents in Denison 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 Denison?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Denison, IA: median home value is $137,600 (44% below national), median rent is $770/month, and median household income is $63,850. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Denison?
The poverty rate in Denison, IA is 20.1%, 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 Denison, IA?
Denison's population is 25.6% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 23.1% Asian, and 2.9% two or more races. 27.8% of residents are foreign-born.