La Porte City, IA
Population 2,170 · Iowa
About La Porte City, IA
La Porte City is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 2,170 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,750 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.6 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 La Porte City features a median home value of $146,900, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. This makes La Porte City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $802, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 976 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (664 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (219 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in La Porte City shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in La Porte City have an average one-way commute time of 27.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.5% of La Porte City 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 1.3% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in La Porte City, IA
Compared to national averages, La Porte City has a median household income of $62,750 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $146,900, which is 40% below the national median. Monthly rent at $802 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, La Porte City's income is 8% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 11% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in La Porte City, IA?
La Porte City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $146,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $802/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,750) that falls below the national average. However, La Porte City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
La Porte City has a population of 2,170 with a median age of 31.6 years. Compare La Porte City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near La Porte City
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwood | 2,170 | $64,615 | $124,800 | Compare |
| Sumner | 2,159 | $56,174 | $111,900 | Compare |
| Columbus Junction | 2,129 | $76,518 | $114,200 | Compare |
| Denver | 2,216 | $90,156 | $221,100 | Compare |
| Lamoni | 2,121 | $52,300 | $107,900 | Compare |
| Hull | 2,248 | $76,213 | $215,700 | Compare |
| Colfax | 2,089 | $82,878 | $160,500 | Compare |
| Bellevue | 2,256 | $78,792 | $210,500 | 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 La Porte City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about La Porte City
What is the population of La Porte City, IA?
The population of La Porte City, IA is 2,170 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 La Porte City?
The median household income in La Porte City, IA is $62,750 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in La Porte City?
The median home value in La Porte City, IA is $146,900, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in La Porte City?
The median monthly rent in La Porte City, IA is $802, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in La Porte City?
The unemployment rate in La Porte City, IA is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is La Porte City, IA a good place to live?
La Porte City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,170 and a median age of 31.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is La Porte City, IA?
19.5% of residents in La Porte City 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 La Porte City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for La Porte City, IA: median home value is $146,900 (40% below national), median rent is $802/month, and median household income is $62,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in La Porte City?
The poverty rate in La Porte City, IA is 11.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is La Porte City, IA?
La Porte City's population is 1.3% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.