Grand River, IA
Population 189 · Iowa
About Grand River, IA
Grand River is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 189 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,833 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.1 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 Grand River features a median home value of $38,400, which is 84% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Grand River one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $844, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 127 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (69 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (29 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Grand River shows an unemployment rate of 10.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Grand River have an average one-way commute time of 30.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.8% of Grand River 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Grand River Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Grand River, IA
Compared to national averages, Grand River has a median household income of $35,833 (52% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $38,400, which is 84% below the national median. Monthly rent at $844 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Grand River's income is 47% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 71% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Grand River, IA?
Grand River offers affordable housing with a median home value of $38,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $844/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,833) that falls below the national average. However, Grand River’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Grand River has a population of 189 with a median age of 46.1 years. Compare Grand River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Grand River
What is the population of Grand River, IA?
The population of Grand River, IA is 189 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 Grand River?
The median household income in Grand River, IA is $35,833 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Grand River?
The median home value in Grand River, IA is $38,400, which is 84% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Grand River?
The median monthly rent in Grand River, IA is $844, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Grand River?
The unemployment rate in Grand River, IA is 10.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Grand River, IA a good place to live?
Grand River offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 189 and a median age of 46.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Grand River, IA?
12.8% of residents in Grand River 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 Grand River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Grand River, IA: median home value is $38,400 (84% below national), median rent is $844/month, and median household income is $35,833. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Grand River?
The poverty rate in Grand River, IA is 20.1%, 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 Grand River, IA?
Grand River's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.