Fontanelle, IA
Population 629 · Iowa
About Fontanelle, IA
Fontanelle is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 629 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,500 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.4 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 Fontanelle features a median home value of $93,800, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fontanelle one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $856, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 344 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (198 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (80 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fontanelle shows an unemployment rate of 8.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 5.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fontanelle have an average one-way commute time of 26.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.6% of Fontanelle 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 1.1% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fontanelle, IA
Compared to national averages, Fontanelle has a median household income of $66,500 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $93,800, which is 62% below the national median. Monthly rent at $856 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Fontanelle's income is 2% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 29% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Fontanelle, IA?
Fontanelle offers affordable housing with a median home value of $93,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $856/month, and a low poverty rate of 5.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,500) that falls below the national average. However, Fontanelle’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fontanelle has a population of 629 with a median age of 43.4 years. Compare Fontanelle 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 Fontanelle
What is the population of Fontanelle, IA?
The population of Fontanelle, IA is 629 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 Fontanelle?
The median household income in Fontanelle, IA is $66,500 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fontanelle?
The median home value in Fontanelle, IA is $93,800, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fontanelle?
The median monthly rent in Fontanelle, IA is $856, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fontanelle?
The unemployment rate in Fontanelle, IA is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fontanelle, IA a good place to live?
Fontanelle offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 629 and a median age of 43.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fontanelle, IA?
14.6% of residents in Fontanelle 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 Fontanelle?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fontanelle, IA: median home value is $93,800 (62% below national), median rent is $856/month, and median household income is $66,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fontanelle?
The poverty rate in Fontanelle, IA is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fontanelle, IA?
Fontanelle's population is 1.1% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.