Dows, IA
Population 544 · Iowa
About Dows, IA
Dows is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 544 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,750 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Dows features a median home value of $56,200, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Dows one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $658, 43% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 235 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (151 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (55 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dows shows an unemployment rate of 1.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Dows have an average one-way commute time of 29.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.2% of Dows 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 5.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Dows, IA
Compared to national averages, Dows has a median household income of $58,750 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $56,200, which is 77% below the national median. Monthly rent at $658 is 43% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Dows's income is 14% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 58% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Dows, IA?
Dows offers affordable housing with a median home value of $56,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $658/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.1%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,750) that falls below the national average. However, Dows’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dows has a population of 544 with a median age of 37 years. Compare Dows with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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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 Dows
What is the population of Dows, IA?
The population of Dows, IA is 544 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 Dows?
The median household income in Dows, IA is $58,750 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dows?
The median home value in Dows, IA is $56,200, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dows?
The median monthly rent in Dows, IA is $658, which is 43% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dows?
The unemployment rate in Dows, IA is 1.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Dows, IA a good place to live?
Dows offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 544 and a median age of 37, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dows, IA?
19.2% of residents in Dows 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 Dows?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dows, IA: median home value is $56,200 (77% below national), median rent is $658/month, and median household income is $58,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dows?
The poverty rate in Dows, IA is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Dows, IA?
Dows's population is 5.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.