Kensett, IA
Population 241 · Iowa
About Kensett, IA
Kensett is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 241 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,278 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 56.9 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 Kensett features a median home value of $64,000, which is 74% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Kensett one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $629, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 155 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (110 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (28 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kensett shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kensett have an average one-way commute time of 23.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
6.8% of Kensett 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 6.2% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Kensett, IA
Compared to national averages, Kensett has a median household income of $40,278 (46% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $64,000, which is 74% below the national median. Monthly rent at $629 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Kensett's income is 41% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 52% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Kensett, IA?
Kensett offers affordable housing with a median home value of $64,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $629/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,278) that falls below the national average. However, Kensett’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kensett has a population of 241 with a median age of 56.9 years. Compare Kensett with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kensett
What is the population of Kensett, IA?
The population of Kensett, IA is 241 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 Kensett?
The median household income in Kensett, IA is $40,278 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kensett?
The median home value in Kensett, IA is $64,000, which is 74% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kensett?
The median monthly rent in Kensett, IA is $629, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kensett?
The unemployment rate in Kensett, IA is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Kensett, IA a good place to live?
Kensett offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 241 and a median age of 56.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Kensett, IA?
6.8% of residents in Kensett 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 Kensett?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kensett, IA: median home value is $64,000 (74% below national), median rent is $629/month, and median household income is $40,278. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kensett?
The poverty rate in Kensett, IA is 9.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kensett, IA?
Kensett's population is 6.2% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.