Gladbrook, IA
Population 998 · Iowa
About Gladbrook, IA
Gladbrook is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 998 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,125 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.5 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 Gladbrook features a median home value of $117,200, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Gladbrook one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $807, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 470 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (349 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (80 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gladbrook shows an unemployment rate of 1.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Gladbrook have an average one-way commute time of 28.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.9% of Gladbrook 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 1.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Gladbrook, IA
Compared to national averages, Gladbrook has a median household income of $63,125 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $117,200, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $807 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Gladbrook's income is 7% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 11% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Gladbrook, IA?
Gladbrook offers affordable housing with a median home value of $117,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $807/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.1%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,125) that falls below the national average. However, Gladbrook’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gladbrook has a population of 998 with a median age of 44.5 years. Compare Gladbrook with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Gladbrook
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mapleton | 997 | $52,955 | $116,400 | Compare |
| Buffalo Center | 1,000 | $49,474 | $93,800 | Compare |
| Woodward | 1,002 | $68,571 | $179,500 | Compare |
| Villisca | 1,004 | $58,469 | $74,100 | Compare |
| Afton | 991 | $57,232 | $99,700 | Compare |
| Aplington | 1,012 | $70,093 | $131,800 | Compare |
| Janesville | 1,012 | $84,231 | $214,700 | Compare |
| Newhall | 1,012 | $68,295 | $171,500 | 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 Gladbrook With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gladbrook
What is the population of Gladbrook, IA?
The population of Gladbrook, IA is 998 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 Gladbrook?
The median household income in Gladbrook, IA is $63,125 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gladbrook?
The median home value in Gladbrook, IA is $117,200, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gladbrook?
The median monthly rent in Gladbrook, IA is $807, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gladbrook?
The unemployment rate in Gladbrook, IA is 1.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Gladbrook, IA a good place to live?
Gladbrook offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 998 and a median age of 44.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Gladbrook, IA?
19.9% of residents in Gladbrook 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 Gladbrook?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gladbrook, IA: median home value is $117,200 (52% below national), median rent is $807/month, and median household income is $63,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Gladbrook?
The poverty rate in Gladbrook, IA is 17.0%, 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 Gladbrook, IA?
Gladbrook's population is 1.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.