Fonda, IA
Population 668 · Iowa
About Fonda, IA
Fonda is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 668 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,750 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fonda features a median home value of $61,200, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fonda one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $546, 53% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 312 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (183 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (88 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fonda shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fonda have an average one-way commute time of 20.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.6% of Fonda 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 17.7% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 14.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fonda Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Fonda, IA
Compared to national averages, Fonda has a median household income of $66,750 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $61,200, which is 75% below the national median. Monthly rent at $546 is 53% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Fonda's income is 2% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 54% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Fonda, IA?
Fonda offers affordable housing with a median home value of $61,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $546/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,750) that falls below the national average. However, Fonda’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fonda has a population of 668 with a median age of 38.8 years. Compare Fonda with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Fonda
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bancroft | 668 | $48,571 | $88,200 | Compare |
| Stanton | 670 | $80,938 | $97,400 | Compare |
| Gilmore City | 663 | $51,250 | $82,700 | Compare |
| Lakeside | 678 | $95,481 | $210,900 | Compare |
| Washburn | 658 | $75,278 | $133,900 | Compare |
| Albert City | 680 | $76,094 | $92,500 | Compare |
| Elkhart | 680 | $81,771 | $241,700 | Compare |
| Brighton | 655 | $55,000 | $87,700 | 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 Fonda With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fonda
What is the population of Fonda, IA?
The population of Fonda, IA is 668 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 Fonda?
The median household income in Fonda, IA is $66,750 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fonda?
The median home value in Fonda, IA is $61,200, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fonda?
The median monthly rent in Fonda, IA is $546, which is 53% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fonda?
The unemployment rate in Fonda, IA is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Fonda, IA a good place to live?
Fonda offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 668 and a median age of 38.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fonda, IA?
18.6% of residents in Fonda 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 Fonda?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fonda, IA: median home value is $61,200 (75% below national), median rent is $546/month, and median household income is $66,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fonda?
The poverty rate in Fonda, IA is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fonda, IA?
Fonda's population is 17.7% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 14.4% of residents are foreign-born.