Guthrie Center, IA
Population 1,603 · Iowa
About Guthrie Center, IA
Guthrie Center is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,603 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,679 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Guthrie Center features a median home value of $117,100, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Guthrie Center one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $839, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 762 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (521 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (166 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Guthrie Center shows an unemployment rate of 1.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Guthrie Center have an average one-way commute time of 19.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.4% of Guthrie Center 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 4.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 5.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Guthrie Center, IA
Compared to national averages, Guthrie Center has a median household income of $67,679 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $117,100, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $839 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Guthrie Center's income is 0% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 11% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Guthrie Center, IA?
Guthrie Center offers affordable housing with a median home value of $117,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $839/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,679) that falls below the national average. However, Guthrie Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Guthrie Center has a population of 1,603 with a median age of 36 years. Compare Guthrie Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Guthrie Center
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartley | 1,588 | $51,118 | $108,400 | Compare |
| Monona | 1,618 | $70,509 | $125,900 | Compare |
| Urbana | 1,628 | $112,672 | $224,100 | Compare |
| Dysart | 1,575 | $62,308 | $156,500 | Compare |
| Corning | 1,573 | $60,446 | $84,700 | Compare |
| Nashua | 1,634 | $63,750 | $117,300 | Compare |
| Shell Rock | 1,634 | $70,556 | $159,100 | Compare |
| Corydon | 1,566 | $48,988 | $88,800 | 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 Guthrie Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Guthrie Center
What is the population of Guthrie Center, IA?
The population of Guthrie Center, IA is 1,603 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 Guthrie Center?
The median household income in Guthrie Center, IA is $67,679 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Guthrie Center?
The median home value in Guthrie Center, IA is $117,100, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Guthrie Center?
The median monthly rent in Guthrie Center, IA is $839, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Guthrie Center?
The unemployment rate in Guthrie Center, IA is 1.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Guthrie Center, IA a good place to live?
Guthrie Center offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,603 and a median age of 36, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Guthrie Center, IA?
19.4% of residents in Guthrie 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 Guthrie Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Guthrie Center, IA: median home value is $117,100 (52% below national), median rent is $839/month, and median household income is $67,679. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Guthrie Center?
The poverty rate in Guthrie Center, IA is 15.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Guthrie Center, IA?
Guthrie Center's population is 4.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 5.4% of residents are foreign-born.