Grimes, IA
Population 15,810 · Iowa
About Grimes, IA
Grimes is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 15,810 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $104,497 per year, which is 39% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Grimes features a median home value of $281,000, which is 15% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Grimes in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,156, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,209 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (4,292 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (1,841 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Grimes shows an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 6.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Grimes have an average one-way commute time of 19.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
47.6% of Grimes residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 4.1% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 6.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Grimes Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Grimes, IA
Compared to national averages, Grimes has a median household income of $104,497 (39% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $281,000, which is 15% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,156 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Grimes's income is 54% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 112% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Grimes, IA?
Grimes offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $104,497, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,156/month, and a well-educated community where 47.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.4 minutes.
Grimes has a population of 15,810 with a median age of 34.3 years. Compare Grimes with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Grimes
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianola | 15,918 | $78,125 | $228,100 | Compare |
| Newton | 15,696 | $56,321 | $151,600 | Compare |
| Norwalk | 13,610 | $94,583 | $275,700 | Compare |
| Clive | 18,776 | $131,082 | $379,000 | Compare |
| Boone | 12,445 | $67,269 | $156,400 | Compare |
| Oskaloosa | 11,492 | $62,172 | $128,900 | Compare |
| Spencer | 11,393 | $57,068 | $178,300 | Compare |
| Storm Lake | 11,275 | $58,341 | $163,600 | 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 Grimes With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Grimes
What is the population of Grimes, IA?
The population of Grimes, IA is 15,810 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Grimes?
The median household income in Grimes, IA is $104,497 per year, which is 39% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Grimes?
The median home value in Grimes, IA is $281,000, which is 15% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Grimes?
The median monthly rent in Grimes, IA is $1,156, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Grimes?
The unemployment rate in Grimes, IA is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Grimes, IA a good place to live?
Grimes offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,810 and a median age of 34.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Grimes, IA?
47.6% of residents in Grimes aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Grimes?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Grimes, IA: median home value is $281,000 (15% above national), median rent is $1,156/month, and median household income is $104,497. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Grimes?
The poverty rate in Grimes, IA is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Grimes, IA?
Grimes's population is 4.1% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 2.3% two or more races. 6.2% of residents are foreign-born.