Dow City, IA
Population 384 · Iowa
About Dow City, IA
Dow City is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 384 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,932 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.3 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 Dow City features a median home value of $130,200, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Dow City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $714, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 179 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (118 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (51 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dow City shows an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Dow City have an average one-way commute time of 15.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
3.8% of Dow City 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 2.3% White, 8.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 11.7% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Dow City, IA
Compared to national averages, Dow City has a median household income of $46,932 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $130,200, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $714 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Dow City's income is 31% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 2% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Dow City, IA?
Dow City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $130,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $714/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,932) that falls below the national average. However, Dow City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dow City has a population of 384 with a median age of 48.3 years. Compare Dow City 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 Dow City
What is the population of Dow City, IA?
The population of Dow City, IA is 384 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 Dow City?
The median household income in Dow City, IA is $46,932 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dow City?
The median home value in Dow City, IA is $130,200, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dow City?
The median monthly rent in Dow City, IA is $714, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dow City?
The unemployment rate in Dow City, IA is 0.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Dow City, IA a good place to live?
Dow City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 384 and a median age of 48.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Dow City, IA?
3.8% of residents in Dow City 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 Dow City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dow City, IA: median home value is $130,200 (47% below national), median rent is $714/month, and median household income is $46,932. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dow City?
The poverty rate in Dow City, IA is 15.1%, 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 Dow City, IA?
Dow City's population is 2.3% White, 8.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 11.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.