Emmetsburg, IA
Population 3,651 · Iowa
About Emmetsburg, IA
Emmetsburg is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 3,651 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,353 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45 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 Emmetsburg features a median home value of $114,600, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Emmetsburg one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $589, 49% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,824 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (1,138 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (490 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Emmetsburg shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Emmetsburg have an average one-way commute time of 14.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.8% of Emmetsburg 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 1.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Emmetsburg, IA
Compared to national averages, Emmetsburg has a median household income of $57,353 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $114,600, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $589 is 49% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Emmetsburg's income is 16% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 13% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Emmetsburg, IA?
Emmetsburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $114,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $589/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,353) that falls below the national average. However, Emmetsburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Emmetsburg has a population of 3,651 with a median age of 45 years. Compare Emmetsburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Emmetsburg
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albia | 3,688 | $67,791 | $132,500 | Compare |
| Eagle Grove | 3,588 | $58,458 | $95,100 | Compare |
| Osage | 3,578 | $62,309 | $141,800 | Compare |
| Saylorville | 3,559 | $80,250 | $287,700 | Compare |
| Carter Lake | 3,773 | $75,037 | $161,200 | Compare |
| West Liberty | 3,795 | $66,132 | $169,500 | Compare |
| Waukon | 3,796 | $56,250 | $133,700 | Compare |
| New Hampton | 3,462 | $61,491 | $159,200 | 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 Emmetsburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Emmetsburg
What is the population of Emmetsburg, IA?
The population of Emmetsburg, IA is 3,651 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 Emmetsburg?
The median household income in Emmetsburg, IA is $57,353 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Emmetsburg?
The median home value in Emmetsburg, IA is $114,600, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Emmetsburg?
The median monthly rent in Emmetsburg, IA is $589, which is 49% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Emmetsburg?
The unemployment rate in Emmetsburg, IA is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Emmetsburg, IA a good place to live?
Emmetsburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,651 and a median age of 45, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Emmetsburg, IA?
16.8% of residents in Emmetsburg 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 Emmetsburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Emmetsburg, IA: median home value is $114,600 (53% below national), median rent is $589/month, and median household income is $57,353. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Emmetsburg?
The poverty rate in Emmetsburg, IA is 17.3%, 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 Emmetsburg, IA?
Emmetsburg's population is 1.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.