Griswold, IA
Population 1,020 · Iowa
About Griswold, IA
Griswold is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,020 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,167 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.2 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 Griswold features a median home value of $89,400, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Griswold one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $937, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 485 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (346 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (84 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Griswold shows an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Griswold have an average one-way commute time of 24.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.5% of Griswold 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 3.2% White, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Griswold, IA
Compared to national averages, Griswold has a median household income of $61,167 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $89,400, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $937 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Griswold's income is 10% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 32% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Griswold, IA?
Griswold offers affordable housing with a median home value of $89,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $937/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,167) that falls below the national average. However, Griswold’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Griswold has a population of 1,020 with a median age of 47.2 years. Compare Griswold with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Griswold
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake View | 1,021 | $66,118 | $154,800 | Compare |
| Keosauqua | 1,014 | $52,083 | $108,000 | Compare |
| Allison | 1,028 | $64,306 | $104,600 | Compare |
| Aplington | 1,012 | $70,093 | $131,800 | Compare |
| Janesville | 1,012 | $84,231 | $214,700 | Compare |
| Newhall | 1,012 | $68,295 | $171,500 | Compare |
| Hamburg | 1,034 | $57,727 | $107,300 | Compare |
| Villisca | 1,004 | $58,469 | $74,100 | 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 Griswold With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Griswold
What is the population of Griswold, IA?
The population of Griswold, IA is 1,020 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 Griswold?
The median household income in Griswold, IA is $61,167 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Griswold?
The median home value in Griswold, IA is $89,400, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Griswold?
The median monthly rent in Griswold, IA is $937, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Griswold?
The unemployment rate in Griswold, IA is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Griswold, IA a good place to live?
Griswold offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,020 and a median age of 47.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Griswold, IA?
19.5% of residents in Griswold 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 Griswold?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Griswold, IA: median home value is $89,400 (63% below national), median rent is $937/month, and median household income is $61,167. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Griswold?
The poverty rate in Griswold, IA is 11.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Griswold, IA?
Griswold's population is 3.2% White, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.