Exira, IA
Population 787 · Iowa
About Exira, IA
Exira is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 787 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,177 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.3 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 Exira features a median home value of $73,700, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Exira one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $566, 51% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 396 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (320 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (52 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Exira shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Exira have an average one-way commute time of 16.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
10.2% of Exira 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 2.4% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Exira, IA
Compared to national averages, Exira has a median household income of $42,177 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $73,700, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $566 is 51% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Exira's income is 38% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 44% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Exira, IA?
Exira offers affordable housing with a median home value of $73,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $566/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,177) that falls below the national average. However, Exira’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Exira has a population of 787 with a median age of 51.3 years. Compare Exira 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 Exira
What is the population of Exira, IA?
The population of Exira, IA is 787 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 Exira?
The median household income in Exira, IA is $42,177 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Exira?
The median home value in Exira, IA is $73,700, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Exira?
The median monthly rent in Exira, IA is $566, which is 51% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Exira?
The unemployment rate in Exira, IA is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Exira, IA a good place to live?
Exira offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 787 and a median age of 51.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Exira, IA?
10.2% of residents in Exira 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 Exira?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Exira, IA: median home value is $73,700 (70% below national), median rent is $566/month, and median household income is $42,177. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Exira?
The poverty rate in Exira, IA is 18.8%, 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 Exira, IA?
Exira's population is 2.4% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.