Kanawha, IA
Population 805 · Iowa
About Kanawha, IA
Kanawha is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 805 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,481 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.4 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 Kanawha features a median home value of $79,900, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Kanawha one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $525, 55% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 427 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (301 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (51 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kanawha shows an unemployment rate of 1.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kanawha have an average one-way commute time of 21.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.9% of Kanawha 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 9.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kanawha Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Kanawha, IA
Compared to national averages, Kanawha has a median household income of $66,481 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $79,900, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $525 is 55% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Kanawha's income is 2% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 40% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Kanawha, IA?
Kanawha offers affordable housing with a median home value of $79,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $525/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.1%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,481) that falls below the national average. However, Kanawha’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kanawha has a population of 805 with a median age of 34.4 years. Compare Kanawha with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Kanawha
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowden | 804 | $54,773 | $111,000 | Compare |
| Okoboji | 806 | $59,167 | $320,000 | Compare |
| Coggon | 803 | $76,500 | $146,000 | Compare |
| Shueyville | 810 | $136,250 | $572,700 | Compare |
| Dunkerton | 799 | $82,969 | $191,900 | Compare |
| Donnellson | 813 | $55,313 | $134,000 | Compare |
| Shelby | 797 | $60,333 | $156,300 | Compare |
| Hartford | 814 | $77,917 | $170,900 | 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 Kanawha With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kanawha
What is the population of Kanawha, IA?
The population of Kanawha, IA is 805 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 Kanawha?
The median household income in Kanawha, IA is $66,481 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kanawha?
The median home value in Kanawha, IA is $79,900, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kanawha?
The median monthly rent in Kanawha, IA is $525, which is 55% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kanawha?
The unemployment rate in Kanawha, IA is 1.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Kanawha, IA a good place to live?
Kanawha offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 805 and a median age of 34.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Kanawha, IA?
26.9% of residents in Kanawha 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 Kanawha?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kanawha, IA: median home value is $79,900 (67% below national), median rent is $525/month, and median household income is $66,481. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kanawha?
The poverty rate in Kanawha, IA is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kanawha, IA?
Kanawha's population is 9.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.