Elkader, IA
Population 1,249 · Iowa
About Elkader, IA
Elkader is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,249 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,786 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.7 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 Elkader features a median home value of $134,300, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Elkader one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $851, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 704 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (419 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (191 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elkader shows an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Elkader have an average one-way commute time of 16.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.0% of Elkader residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.8% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Elkader With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elkader
What is the population of Elkader, IA?
The population of Elkader, IA is 1,249 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 Elkader?
The median household income in Elkader, IA is $61,786 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elkader?
The median home value in Elkader, IA is $134,300, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elkader?
The median monthly rent in Elkader, IA is $851, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elkader?
The unemployment rate in Elkader, IA is 1.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Elkader, IA a good place to live?
Elkader offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,249 and a median age of 42.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Elkader, IA?
26.0% of residents in Elkader 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 Elkader?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elkader, IA: median home value is $134,300 (45% below national), median rent is $851/month, and median household income is $61,786. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elkader?
The poverty rate in Elkader, IA is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Elkader, IA?
Elkader's population is 3.8% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.