Hiawatha, IA
Population 7,178 · Iowa
About Hiawatha, IA
Hiawatha is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 7,178 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,628 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.4 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 Hiawatha features a median home value of $210,200, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Hiawatha in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $846, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,197 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (2,014 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (935 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hiawatha shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hiawatha have an average one-way commute time of 15 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
32.4% of Hiawatha 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 3.1% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 6.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hiawatha, IA
Compared to national averages, Hiawatha has a median household income of $67,628 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $210,200, which is 14% below the national median. Monthly rent at $846 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Hiawatha's income is 0% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 59% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Hiawatha, IA?
Hiawatha offers affordable housing with a median home value of $210,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $846/month, and short commute times averaging just 15 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,628) that falls below the national average. However, Hiawatha’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hiawatha has a population of 7,178 with a median age of 33.4 years. Compare Hiawatha with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Hiawatha
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 7,314 | $56,536 | $144,500 | Compare |
| Charles City | 7,321 | $56,734 | $118,900 | Compare |
| Nevada | 6,952 | $75,221 | $177,800 | Compare |
| Creston | 7,466 | $50,752 | $112,600 | Compare |
| Knoxville | 7,493 | $70,136 | $147,600 | Compare |
| Atlantic | 6,773 | $57,486 | $134,900 | Compare |
| Decorah | 7,597 | $62,177 | $234,600 | Compare |
| Clear Lake | 7,603 | $70,278 | $235,100 | 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 Hiawatha With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hiawatha
What is the population of Hiawatha, IA?
The population of Hiawatha, IA is 7,178 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 Hiawatha?
The median household income in Hiawatha, IA is $67,628 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hiawatha?
The median home value in Hiawatha, IA is $210,200, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hiawatha?
The median monthly rent in Hiawatha, IA is $846, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hiawatha?
The unemployment rate in Hiawatha, IA is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hiawatha, IA a good place to live?
Hiawatha offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,178 and a median age of 33.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Hiawatha, IA?
32.4% of residents in Hiawatha 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 Hiawatha?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hiawatha, IA: median home value is $210,200 (14% below national), median rent is $846/month, and median household income is $67,628. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hiawatha?
The poverty rate in Hiawatha, IA is 15.7%, 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 Hiawatha, IA?
Hiawatha's population is 3.1% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 3.9% two or more races. 6.0% of residents are foreign-born.