Lenox, IA
Population 1,474 · Iowa
About Lenox, IA
Lenox is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,474 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,750 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lenox features a median home value of $106,000, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lenox one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $759, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 671 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (450 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (129 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lenox shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lenox have an average one-way commute time of 15.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.7% of Lenox 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 21.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 5.0% Asian residents, with 11.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lenox, IA
Compared to national averages, Lenox has a median household income of $59,750 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $106,000, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $759 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Lenox's income is 12% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 20% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Lenox, IA?
Lenox offers affordable housing with a median home value of $106,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $759/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,750) that falls below the national average. However, Lenox’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lenox has a population of 1,474 with a median age of 38.2 years. Compare Lenox with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Lenox
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manning | 1,474 | $62,310 | $109,400 | Compare |
| Van Meter | 1,469 | $133,750 | $250,300 | Compare |
| Traer | 1,464 | $79,653 | $131,900 | Compare |
| Roland | 1,458 | $84,779 | $173,100 | Compare |
| Slater | 1,498 | $87,708 | $222,000 | Compare |
| Oakland | 1,500 | $72,500 | $144,600 | Compare |
| Fairbank | 1,509 | $100,172 | $173,200 | Compare |
| Sanborn | 1,510 | $56,477 | $150,900 | 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 Lenox With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lenox
What is the population of Lenox, IA?
The population of Lenox, IA is 1,474 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 Lenox?
The median household income in Lenox, IA is $59,750 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lenox?
The median home value in Lenox, IA is $106,000, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lenox?
The median monthly rent in Lenox, IA is $759, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lenox?
The unemployment rate in Lenox, IA is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lenox, IA a good place to live?
Lenox offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,474 and a median age of 38.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lenox, IA?
15.7% of residents in Lenox 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 Lenox?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lenox, IA: median home value is $106,000 (57% below national), median rent is $759/month, and median household income is $59,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lenox?
The poverty rate in Lenox, IA is 10.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lenox, IA?
Lenox's population is 21.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 5.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 11.2% of residents are foreign-born.