Glenwood, IA
Population 5,118 · Iowa
About Glenwood, IA
Glenwood is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 5,118 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,320 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.3 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 Glenwood features a median home value of $193,800, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Glenwood in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $842, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,325 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (1,629 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (498 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Glenwood shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Glenwood have an average one-way commute time of 20 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.0% of Glenwood residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.6% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 6.1% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Glenwood, IA
Compared to national averages, Glenwood has a median household income of $69,320 (8% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $193,800, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $842 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Glenwood's income is 2% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 47% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Glenwood, IA?
Glenwood offers affordable housing with a median home value of $193,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $842/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,320) that falls below the national average. However, Glenwood’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Glenwood has a population of 5,118 with a median age of 42.3 years. Compare Glenwood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Glenwood
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | 5,144 | $58,578 | $130,500 | Compare |
| Sergeant Bluff | 5,090 | $122,610 | $287,600 | Compare |
| Cherokee | 5,157 | $48,693 | $119,400 | Compare |
| Windsor Heights | 5,171 | $89,083 | $251,800 | Compare |
| Iowa Falls | 5,062 | $53,051 | $106,300 | Compare |
| Tiffin | 5,271 | $106,034 | $315,800 | Compare |
| Vinton | 4,948 | $65,488 | $146,400 | Compare |
| Shenandoah | 4,913 | $52,469 | $110,000 | 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 Glenwood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Glenwood
What is the population of Glenwood, IA?
The population of Glenwood, IA is 5,118 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Glenwood?
The median household income in Glenwood, IA is $69,320 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Glenwood?
The median home value in Glenwood, IA is $193,800, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Glenwood?
The median monthly rent in Glenwood, IA is $842, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Glenwood?
The unemployment rate in Glenwood, IA is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Glenwood, IA a good place to live?
Glenwood offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,118 and a median age of 42.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Glenwood, IA?
27.0% of residents in Glenwood 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 Glenwood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Glenwood, IA: median home value is $193,800 (21% below national), median rent is $842/month, and median household income is $69,320. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Glenwood?
The poverty rate in Glenwood, IA is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Glenwood, IA?
Glenwood's population is 1.6% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 6.1% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.