Grinnell, IA
Population 9,527 · Iowa
About Grinnell, IA
Grinnell is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 9,527 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,426 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Grinnell features a median home value of $191,700, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Grinnell in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $876, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,994 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (2,437 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (1,304 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Grinnell shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 10.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Grinnell have an average one-way commute time of 13.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
41.1% of Grinnell 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, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 5.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Grinnell Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Grinnell, IA
Compared to national averages, Grinnell has a median household income of $64,426 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $191,700, which is 22% below the national median. Monthly rent at $876 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Grinnell's income is 5% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 45% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Grinnell, IA?
Grinnell offers affordable housing with a median home value of $191,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $876/month, and a well-educated community where 41.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 13.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,426) that falls below the national average. However, Grinnell’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Grinnell has a population of 9,527 with a median age of 37.9 years. Compare Grinnell with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Grinnell
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield | 9,438 | $48,302 | $152,900 | Compare |
| Keokuk | 9,748 | $49,340 | $93,700 | Compare |
| Mount Pleasant | 9,093 | $59,216 | $145,600 | Compare |
| Fort Madison | 10,221 | $49,359 | $95,900 | Compare |
| Carroll | 10,261 | $59,323 | $184,100 | Compare |
| Waverly | 10,446 | $78,429 | $215,200 | Compare |
| Le Mars | 10,597 | $72,381 | $202,200 | Compare |
| Pella | 10,624 | $81,201 | $259,600 | 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 Grinnell With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Grinnell
What is the population of Grinnell, IA?
The population of Grinnell, IA is 9,527 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 Grinnell?
The median household income in Grinnell, IA is $64,426 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Grinnell?
The median home value in Grinnell, IA is $191,700, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Grinnell?
The median monthly rent in Grinnell, IA is $876, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Grinnell?
The unemployment rate in Grinnell, IA is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Grinnell, IA a good place to live?
Grinnell offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,527 and a median age of 37.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Grinnell, IA?
41.1% of residents in Grinnell 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 Grinnell?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Grinnell, IA: median home value is $191,700 (22% below national), median rent is $876/month, and median household income is $64,426. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Grinnell?
The poverty rate in Grinnell, IA is 10.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Grinnell, IA?
Grinnell's population is 1.8% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 5.4% of residents are foreign-born.