Grinnell, IA
Population 9,527 · Iowa
About Grinnell, IA
Grinnell is a small community in Iowa with a population of 9,527 residents. The median household income is $64,426 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Grinnell is 37.9 years.
Housing in Grinnell has a median home value of $191,700 and median monthly rent of $876. Of the 3,994 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 2,437 owner-occupied and 1,304 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Grinnell is 5.3% and the poverty rate is 10.9%. 41.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 13.7 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Grinnell
What is the population of Grinnell, IA?
The population of Grinnell, IA is 9,527 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Grinnell?
The median household income in Grinnell, IA is $64,426 per year.
What is the median home value in Grinnell?
The median home value in Grinnell, IA is $191,700.
What is the average rent in Grinnell?
The median monthly rent in Grinnell, IA is $876.
What is the unemployment rate in Grinnell?
The unemployment rate in Grinnell, IA is 5.3%.