Grundy Center, IA
Population 2,794 · Iowa
About Grundy Center, IA
Grundy Center is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 2,794 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $77,540 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Grundy Center features a median home value of $173,200, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Grundy Center in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $684, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,306 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (962 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (243 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Grundy Center shows an unemployment rate of 1.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Grundy Center have an average one-way commute time of 23.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.2% of Grundy Center 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 2.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Grundy Center, IA
Compared to national averages, Grundy Center has a median household income of $77,540 (3% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $173,200, which is 29% below the national median. Monthly rent at $684 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Grundy Center's income is 14% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 31% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Grundy Center, IA?
Grundy Center offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $77,540, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $173,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $684/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%, and a low poverty rate of 11.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.2 minutes.
Grundy Center has a population of 2,794 with a median age of 40.8 years. Compare Grundy Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Grundy Center
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postville | 2,787 | $47,281 | $100,300 | Compare |
| Madrid | 2,803 | $86,915 | $185,100 | Compare |
| Clarion | 2,775 | $58,702 | $107,600 | Compare |
| Sibley | 2,821 | $54,767 | $119,800 | Compare |
| Marengo | 2,823 | $58,125 | $114,100 | Compare |
| Park View | 2,861 | $106,429 | $276,500 | Compare |
| Onawa | 2,862 | $54,659 | $125,700 | Compare |
| Bloomfield | 2,723 | $61,679 | $122,600 | 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 Grundy Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Grundy Center
What is the population of Grundy Center, IA?
The population of Grundy Center, IA is 2,794 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 Grundy Center?
The median household income in Grundy Center, IA is $77,540 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Grundy Center?
The median home value in Grundy Center, IA is $173,200, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Grundy Center?
The median monthly rent in Grundy Center, IA is $684, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Grundy Center?
The unemployment rate in Grundy Center, IA is 1.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Grundy Center, IA a good place to live?
Grundy Center offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,794 and a median age of 40.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Grundy Center, IA?
24.2% of residents in Grundy Center 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 Grundy Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Grundy Center, IA: median home value is $173,200 (29% below national), median rent is $684/month, and median household income is $77,540. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Grundy Center?
The poverty rate in Grundy Center, IA is 11.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Grundy Center, IA?
Grundy Center's population is 2.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.