Leon, IA
Population 1,795 · Iowa
About Leon, IA
Leon is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,795 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,868 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Leon features a median home value of $79,600, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Leon one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $542, 53% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 954 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (404 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (380 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Leon shows an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Leon have an average one-way commute time of 28.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.7% of Leon 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 1.9% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Leon Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Leon, IA
Compared to national averages, Leon has a median household income of $54,868 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $79,600, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $542 is 53% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Leon's income is 19% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 40% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Leon, IA?
Leon offers affordable housing with a median home value of $79,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $542/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,868) that falls below the national average. However, Leon’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Leon has a population of 1,795 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Leon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Leon
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reinbeck | 1,805 | $85,962 | $152,400 | Compare |
| Lisbon | 1,782 | $83,125 | $202,600 | Compare |
| Sac City | 1,782 | $57,487 | $106,400 | Compare |
| Farley | 1,809 | $96,563 | $242,600 | Compare |
| Greenfield | 1,826 | $53,152 | $115,700 | Compare |
| Moville | 1,840 | $96,250 | $174,600 | Compare |
| Parkersburg | 1,747 | $73,482 | $200,000 | Compare |
| Mount Ayr | 1,739 | $68,676 | $144,500 | 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 Leon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Leon
What is the population of Leon, IA?
The population of Leon, IA is 1,795 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 Leon?
The median household income in Leon, IA is $54,868 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Leon?
The median home value in Leon, IA is $79,600, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Leon?
The median monthly rent in Leon, IA is $542, which is 53% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Leon?
The unemployment rate in Leon, IA is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Leon, IA a good place to live?
Leon offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,795 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Leon, IA?
12.7% of residents in Leon 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 Leon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Leon, IA: median home value is $79,600 (67% below national), median rent is $542/month, and median household income is $54,868. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Leon?
The poverty rate in Leon, IA is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Leon, IA?
Leon's population is 1.9% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.