Diagonal, IA
Population 481 · Iowa
About Diagonal, IA
Diagonal is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 481 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $80,417 per year, which is 7% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.2 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 Diagonal features a median home value of $84,400, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Diagonal one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $838, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 163 total housing units, 89% are owner-occupied (135 units) and 11% are renter-occupied (16 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Diagonal shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 6.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Diagonal have an average one-way commute time of 17.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.9% of Diagonal 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 2.7% White, 12.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Diagonal, IA
Compared to national averages, Diagonal has a median household income of $80,417 (7% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $84,400, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $838 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Diagonal's income is 18% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 36% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Diagonal, IA?
Diagonal offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $80,417, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $84,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $838/month. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.2 minutes.
Diagonal has a population of 481 with a median age of 47.2 years. Compare Diagonal 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 Diagonal
What is the population of Diagonal, IA?
The population of Diagonal, IA is 481 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 Diagonal?
The median household income in Diagonal, IA is $80,417 per year, which is 7% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Diagonal?
The median home value in Diagonal, IA is $84,400, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Diagonal?
The median monthly rent in Diagonal, IA is $838, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Diagonal?
The unemployment rate in Diagonal, IA is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Diagonal, IA a good place to live?
Diagonal offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 481 and a median age of 47.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Diagonal, IA?
15.9% of residents in Diagonal 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 Diagonal?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Diagonal, IA: median home value is $84,400 (66% below national), median rent is $838/month, and median household income is $80,417. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Diagonal?
The poverty rate in Diagonal, IA is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Diagonal, IA?
Diagonal's population is 2.7% White, 12.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.