Irwin, IA
Population 297 · Iowa
About Irwin, IA
Irwin is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 297 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,917 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Irwin features a median home value of $71,100, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Irwin one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $700, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 158 total housing units, 89% are owner-occupied (126 units) and 11% are renter-occupied (15 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Irwin shows an unemployment rate of 0.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Irwin have an average one-way commute time of 17.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.9% of Irwin 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 1.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 4.7% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Irwin Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Irwin, IA
Compared to national averages, Irwin has a median household income of $47,917 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $71,100, which is 71% below the national median. Monthly rent at $700 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Irwin's income is 29% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 46% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Irwin, IA?
Irwin offers affordable housing with a median home value of $71,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $700/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.7%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,917) that falls below the national average. However, Irwin’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Irwin has a population of 297 with a median age of 46.6 years. Compare Irwin with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Irwin
What is the population of Irwin, IA?
The population of Irwin, IA is 297 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Irwin?
The median household income in Irwin, IA is $47,917 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Irwin?
The median home value in Irwin, IA is $71,100, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Irwin?
The median monthly rent in Irwin, IA is $700, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Irwin?
The unemployment rate in Irwin, IA is 0.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Irwin, IA a good place to live?
Irwin offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 297 and a median age of 46.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Irwin, IA?
25.9% of residents in Irwin 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 Irwin?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Irwin, IA: median home value is $71,100 (71% below national), median rent is $700/month, and median household income is $47,917. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Irwin?
The poverty rate in Irwin, IA is 12.9%, 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 Irwin, IA?
Irwin's population is 1.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 4.7% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.