Monona, IA
Population 1,618 · Iowa
About Monona, IA
Monona is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,618 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,509 per year, which is 6% 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 Monona features a median home value of $125,900, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Monona one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,000, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 792 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (515 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (206 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Monona shows an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Monona have an average one-way commute time of 25.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.9% of Monona 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 0.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Monona, IA
Compared to national averages, Monona has a median household income of $70,509 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $125,900, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,000 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Monona's income is 4% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 5% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Monona, IA?
Monona offers affordable housing with a median home value of $125,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,000/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,509) that falls below the national average. However, Monona’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Monona has a population of 1,618 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Monona with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Monona
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urbana | 1,628 | $112,672 | $224,100 | Compare |
| Guthrie Center | 1,603 | $67,679 | $117,100 | Compare |
| Nashua | 1,634 | $63,750 | $117,300 | Compare |
| Shell Rock | 1,634 | $70,556 | $159,100 | Compare |
| Stuart | 1,642 | $62,500 | $152,300 | Compare |
| Hartley | 1,588 | $51,118 | $108,400 | Compare |
| Prairie City | 1,649 | $78,269 | $177,400 | Compare |
| Lake City | 1,652 | $64,375 | $103,300 | 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 Monona With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Monona
What is the population of Monona, IA?
The population of Monona, IA is 1,618 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 Monona?
The median household income in Monona, IA is $70,509 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Monona?
The median home value in Monona, IA is $125,900, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Monona?
The median monthly rent in Monona, IA is $1,000, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Monona?
The unemployment rate in Monona, IA is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Monona, IA a good place to live?
Monona offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,618 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Monona, IA?
14.9% of residents in Monona 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 Monona?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Monona, IA: median home value is $125,900 (49% below national), median rent is $1,000/month, and median household income is $70,509. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Monona?
The poverty rate in Monona, IA is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Monona, IA?
Monona's population is 0.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.