Marcus, IA
Population 1,236 · Iowa
About Marcus, IA
Marcus is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,236 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $75,288 per year, which is 0% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 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 Marcus features a median home value of $174,100, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Marcus in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $637, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 626 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (449 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (106 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Marcus 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 5.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Marcus have an average one-way commute time of 17.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.0% of Marcus 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 2.4% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Marcus, IA
Compared to national averages, Marcus has a median household income of $75,288 (0% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $174,100, which is 29% below the national median. Monthly rent at $637 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Marcus's income is 11% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 32% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Marcus, IA?
Marcus offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $75,288, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $174,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $637/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%, and a low poverty rate of 5.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.5 minutes.
Marcus has a population of 1,236 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Marcus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Marcus
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laurens | 1,234 | $56,354 | $71,000 | Compare |
| University Heights | 1,232 | $105,172 | $393,200 | Compare |
| Fayette | 1,242 | $39,297 | $123,300 | Compare |
| Melcher-Dallas | 1,228 | $72,824 | $94,600 | Compare |
| Treynor | 1,228 | $132,679 | $250,000 | Compare |
| Jewell Junction | 1,225 | $75,313 | $128,300 | Compare |
| Clarksville | 1,248 | $55,781 | $114,200 | Compare |
| Clarence | 1,223 | $56,875 | $137,800 | 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 Marcus With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Marcus
What is the population of Marcus, IA?
The population of Marcus, IA is 1,236 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 Marcus?
The median household income in Marcus, IA is $75,288 per year, which is 0% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Marcus?
The median home value in Marcus, IA is $174,100, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Marcus?
The median monthly rent in Marcus, IA is $637, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Marcus?
The unemployment rate in Marcus, 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 Marcus, IA a good place to live?
Marcus offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,236 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Marcus, IA?
28.0% of residents in Marcus 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 Marcus?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Marcus, IA: median home value is $174,100 (29% below national), median rent is $637/month, and median household income is $75,288. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Marcus?
The poverty rate in Marcus, IA is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Marcus, IA?
Marcus's population is 2.4% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 6.9% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.