Humboldt, IA
Population 4,761 · Iowa
About Humboldt, IA
Humboldt is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 4,761 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,661 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Humboldt features a median home value of $162,600, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Humboldt in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $731, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,214 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (1,441 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (674 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Humboldt shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Humboldt have an average one-way commute time of 16.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.6% of Humboldt 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 0.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.2% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Humboldt, IA
Compared to national averages, Humboldt has a median household income of $70,661 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $162,600, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $731 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Humboldt's income is 4% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 23% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Humboldt, IA?
Humboldt offers affordable housing with a median home value of $162,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $731/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,661) that falls below the national average. However, Humboldt’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Humboldt has a population of 4,761 with a median age of 41.1 years. Compare Humboldt with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Humboldt
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Claire | 4,718 | $100,404 | $300,200 | Compare |
| Harlan | 4,896 | $54,923 | $137,500 | Compare |
| Shenandoah | 4,913 | $52,469 | $110,000 | Compare |
| Vinton | 4,948 | $65,488 | $146,400 | Compare |
| Camanche | 4,562 | $68,727 | $175,300 | Compare |
| Mount Vernon | 4,551 | $106,356 | $256,900 | Compare |
| Evansdale | 4,530 | $57,415 | $138,200 | Compare |
| Iowa Falls | 5,062 | $53,051 | $106,300 | 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 Humboldt With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Humboldt
What is the population of Humboldt, IA?
The population of Humboldt, IA is 4,761 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 Humboldt?
The median household income in Humboldt, IA is $70,661 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Humboldt?
The median home value in Humboldt, IA is $162,600, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Humboldt?
The median monthly rent in Humboldt, IA is $731, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Humboldt?
The unemployment rate in Humboldt, IA is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Humboldt, IA a good place to live?
Humboldt offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,761 and a median age of 41.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Humboldt, IA?
23.6% of residents in Humboldt 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 Humboldt?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Humboldt, IA: median home value is $162,600 (34% below national), median rent is $731/month, and median household income is $70,661. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Humboldt?
The poverty rate in Humboldt, IA is 14.6%, 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 Humboldt, IA?
Humboldt's population is 0.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.