Hawarden, IA
Population 2,674 · Iowa
About Hawarden, IA
Hawarden is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 2,674 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,375 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hawarden features a median home value of $132,700, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Hawarden one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $881, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,033 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (634 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (331 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hawarden shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 10.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hawarden have an average one-way commute time of 16.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.1% of Hawarden 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 36.6% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 24.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hawarden, IA
Compared to national averages, Hawarden has a median household income of $69,375 (8% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $132,700, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $881 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Hawarden's income is 2% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 0% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Hawarden, IA?
Hawarden offers affordable housing with a median home value of $132,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $881/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,375) that falls below the national average. However, Hawarden’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hawarden has a population of 2,674 with a median age of 35 years. Compare Hawarden with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Hawarden
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belmond | 2,678 | $58,750 | $110,800 | Compare |
| Kalona | 2,679 | $72,766 | $221,300 | Compare |
| Missouri Valley | 2,685 | $64,844 | $126,500 | Compare |
| Rock Rapids | 2,653 | $61,679 | $207,700 | Compare |
| Bloomfield | 2,723 | $61,679 | $122,600 | Compare |
| Eldora | 2,622 | $72,107 | $108,800 | Compare |
| Hudson | 2,614 | $119,327 | $234,500 | Compare |
| Jesup | 2,596 | $89,297 | $189,600 | 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 Hawarden With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hawarden
What is the population of Hawarden, IA?
The population of Hawarden, IA is 2,674 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 Hawarden?
The median household income in Hawarden, IA is $69,375 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hawarden?
The median home value in Hawarden, IA is $132,700, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hawarden?
The median monthly rent in Hawarden, IA is $881, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hawarden?
The unemployment rate in Hawarden, IA is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hawarden, IA a good place to live?
Hawarden offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,674 and a median age of 35, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hawarden, IA?
18.1% of residents in Hawarden 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 Hawarden?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hawarden, IA: median home value is $132,700 (46% below national), median rent is $881/month, and median household income is $69,375. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hawarden?
The poverty rate in Hawarden, IA is 10.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hawarden, IA?
Hawarden's population is 36.6% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 24.4% of residents are foreign-born.