Fertile, IA
Population 272 · Iowa
About Fertile, IA
Fertile is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 272 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,432 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 59.3 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 Fertile features a median home value of $150,000, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Fertile in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $869, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 186 total housing units, 90% are owner-occupied (132 units) and 10% are renter-occupied (15 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fertile shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fertile have an average one-way commute time of 25.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.2% of Fertile 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 1.5% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fertile, IA
Compared to national averages, Fertile has a median household income of $64,432 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $150,000, which is 39% below the national median. Monthly rent at $869 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Fertile's income is 5% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 13% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Fertile, IA?
Fertile offers affordable housing with a median home value of $150,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $869/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,432) that falls below the national average. However, Fertile’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fertile has a population of 272 with a median age of 59.3 years. Compare Fertile 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 Fertile
What is the population of Fertile, IA?
The population of Fertile, IA is 272 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 Fertile?
The median household income in Fertile, IA is $64,432 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fertile?
The median home value in Fertile, IA is $150,000, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fertile?
The median monthly rent in Fertile, IA is $869, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fertile?
The unemployment rate in Fertile, IA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Fertile, IA a good place to live?
Fertile offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 272 and a median age of 59.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Fertile, IA?
16.2% of residents in Fertile 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 Fertile?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fertile, IA: median home value is $150,000 (39% below national), median rent is $869/month, and median household income is $64,432. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fertile?
The poverty rate in Fertile, IA is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fertile, IA?
Fertile's population is 1.5% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.