Glidden, IA
Population 1,153 · Iowa
About Glidden, IA
Glidden is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,153 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,393 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.1 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 Glidden features a median home value of $159,700, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Glidden in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $531, 54% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 496 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (361 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (94 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Glidden shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Glidden have an average one-way commute time of 17.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.5% of Glidden 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 1.8% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Glidden Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Glidden, IA
Compared to national averages, Glidden has a median household income of $73,393 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $159,700, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $531 is 54% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Glidden's income is 8% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 21% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Glidden, IA?
Glidden offers affordable housing with a median home value of $159,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $531/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,393) that falls below the national average. However, Glidden’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Glidden has a population of 1,153 with a median age of 43.1 years. Compare Glidden with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Glidden
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Ansgar | 1,156 | $75,208 | $143,800 | Compare |
| New Sharon | 1,147 | $60,000 | $125,000 | Compare |
| Wayland | 1,140 | $67,000 | $122,200 | Compare |
| Conrad | 1,170 | $73,844 | $156,100 | Compare |
| Palo | 1,173 | $103,646 | $274,200 | Compare |
| Lake Park | 1,191 | $73,977 | $153,500 | Compare |
| Lansing | 1,111 | $49,537 | $145,800 | Compare |
| Fruitland | 1,107 | $101,375 | $219,000 | 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 Glidden With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Glidden
What is the population of Glidden, IA?
The population of Glidden, IA is 1,153 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 Glidden?
The median household income in Glidden, IA is $73,393 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Glidden?
The median home value in Glidden, IA is $159,700, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Glidden?
The median monthly rent in Glidden, IA is $531, which is 54% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Glidden?
The unemployment rate in Glidden, IA is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Glidden, IA a good place to live?
Glidden offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,153 and a median age of 43.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Glidden, IA?
25.5% of residents in Glidden 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 Glidden?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Glidden, IA: median home value is $159,700 (35% below national), median rent is $531/month, and median household income is $73,393. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Glidden?
The poverty rate in Glidden, IA is 11.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Glidden, IA?
Glidden's population is 1.8% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.