Le Mars, IA
Population 10,597 · Iowa
About Le Mars, IA
Le Mars is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 10,597 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,381 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Le Mars features a median home value of $202,200, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Le Mars in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $908, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,521 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (2,709 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (1,647 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Le Mars shows an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Le Mars have an average one-way commute time of 16.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.3% of Le Mars 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 6.3% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 6.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Le Mars Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Le Mars, IA
Compared to national averages, Le Mars has a median household income of $72,381 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $202,200, which is 17% below the national median. Monthly rent at $908 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Le Mars's income is 7% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 53% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Le Mars, IA?
Le Mars offers affordable housing with a median home value of $202,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $908/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.5%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 16.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,381) that falls below the national average. However, Le Mars’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Le Mars has a population of 10,597 with a median age of 39.1 years. Compare Le Mars with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Le Mars
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pella | 10,624 | $81,201 | $259,600 | Compare |
| Waverly | 10,446 | $78,429 | $215,200 | Compare |
| Pleasant Hill | 10,796 | $86,890 | $284,100 | Compare |
| Carroll | 10,261 | $59,323 | $184,100 | Compare |
| Fort Madison | 10,221 | $49,359 | $95,900 | Compare |
| Storm Lake | 11,275 | $58,341 | $163,600 | Compare |
| Spencer | 11,393 | $57,068 | $178,300 | Compare |
| Keokuk | 9,748 | $49,340 | $93,700 | 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 Le Mars With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Le Mars
What is the population of Le Mars, IA?
The population of Le Mars, IA is 10,597 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Le Mars?
The median household income in Le Mars, IA is $72,381 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Le Mars?
The median home value in Le Mars, IA is $202,200, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Le Mars?
The median monthly rent in Le Mars, IA is $908, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Le Mars?
The unemployment rate in Le Mars, IA is 1.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Le Mars, IA a good place to live?
Le Mars offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 10,597 and a median age of 39.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Le Mars, IA?
24.3% of residents in Le Mars 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 Le Mars?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Le Mars, IA: median home value is $202,200 (17% below national), median rent is $908/month, and median household income is $72,381. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Le Mars?
The poverty rate in Le Mars, IA is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Le Mars, IA?
Le Mars's population is 6.3% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 5.3% two or more races. 6.7% of residents are foreign-born.