Elkader, IA
Population 1,249 · Iowa
About Elkader, IA
Elkader is a small community in Iowa with a population of 1,249 residents. The median household income is $61,786 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Elkader is 42.7 years.
Housing in Elkader has a median home value of $134,300 and median monthly rent of $851. Of the 704 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 419 owner-occupied and 191 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Elkader is 1.4% and the poverty rate is 7.5%. 26.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 16.6 minutes.
Cost of Living in Elkader, IA
Compared to national averages, Elkader has a median household income of $61,786 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $134,300, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $851 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Elkader's income is 9% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 2% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Elkader, IA?
Elkader offers affordable housing with a median home value of $134,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $851/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 16.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,786) that falls below the national average. However, Elkader’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elkader has a population of 1,249 with a median age of 42.7 years. Compare Elkader with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Elkader
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarksville | 1,248 | $55,781 | $114,200 | Compare |
| Baxter | 1,251 | $60,625 | $162,300 | Compare |
| Fayette | 1,242 | $39,297 | $123,300 | Compare |
| Tripoli | 1,256 | $75,988 | $116,200 | Compare |
| Montezuma | 1,257 | $63,375 | $157,800 | Compare |
| Dike | 1,258 | $88,523 | $235,900 | Compare |
| Marcus | 1,236 | $75,288 | $174,100 | Compare |
| Laurens | 1,234 | $56,354 | $71,000 | 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 Elkader
What is the population of Elkader, IA?
The population of Elkader, IA is 1,249 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Elkader?
The median household income in Elkader, IA is $61,786 per year.
What is the median home value in Elkader?
The median home value in Elkader, IA is $134,300.
What is the average rent in Elkader?
The median monthly rent in Elkader, IA is $851.
What is the unemployment rate in Elkader?
The unemployment rate in Elkader, IA is 1.4%.