Montezuma, IA
Population 1,257 · Iowa
About Montezuma, IA
Montezuma is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,257 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,375 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.1 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 Montezuma features a median home value of $157,800, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Montezuma in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $843, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 651 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (317 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (269 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Montezuma shows an unemployment rate of 8.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Montezuma have an average one-way commute time of 20.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.2% of Montezuma 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 0.6% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Montezuma, IA
Compared to national averages, Montezuma has a median household income of $63,375 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $157,800, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $843 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Montezuma's income is 7% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 19% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Montezuma, IA?
Montezuma offers affordable housing with a median home value of $157,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $843/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,375) that falls below the national average. However, Montezuma’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Montezuma has a population of 1,257 with a median age of 45.1 years. Compare Montezuma with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Montezuma
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dike | 1,258 | $88,523 | $235,900 | Compare |
| Tripoli | 1,256 | $75,988 | $116,200 | Compare |
| Baxter | 1,251 | $60,625 | $162,300 | Compare |
| Elkader | 1,249 | $61,786 | $134,300 | Compare |
| Central City | 1,266 | $81,607 | $166,400 | Compare |
| Clarksville | 1,248 | $55,781 | $114,200 | Compare |
| Fayette | 1,242 | $39,297 | $123,300 | Compare |
| Marcus | 1,236 | $75,288 | $174,100 | 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 Montezuma With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Montezuma
What is the population of Montezuma, IA?
The population of Montezuma, IA is 1,257 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 Montezuma?
The median household income in Montezuma, IA is $63,375 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Montezuma?
The median home value in Montezuma, IA is $157,800, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Montezuma?
The median monthly rent in Montezuma, IA is $843, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Montezuma?
The unemployment rate in Montezuma, IA is 8.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Montezuma, IA a good place to live?
Montezuma offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,257 and a median age of 45.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Montezuma, IA?
21.2% of residents in Montezuma 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 Montezuma?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Montezuma, IA: median home value is $157,800 (36% below national), median rent is $843/month, and median household income is $63,375. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Montezuma?
The poverty rate in Montezuma, IA is 17.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Montezuma, IA?
Montezuma's population is 0.6% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.