Monticello, IA
Population 4,055 · Iowa
About Monticello, IA
Monticello is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 4,055 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,788 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.1 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 Monticello features a median home value of $160,500, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Monticello in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $659, 43% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,977 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (1,269 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (519 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Monticello shows an unemployment rate of 0.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Monticello have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.4% of Monticello 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 2.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Monticello Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Monticello, IA
Compared to national averages, Monticello has a median household income of $67,788 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $160,500, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $659 is 43% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Monticello's income is 0% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 21% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Monticello, IA?
Monticello offers affordable housing with a median home value of $160,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $659/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,788) that falls below the national average. However, Monticello’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Monticello has a population of 4,055 with a median age of 42.1 years. Compare Monticello with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Monticello
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Valley | 4,061 | $67,012 | $225,800 | Compare |
| Jefferson | 4,164 | $54,286 | $126,900 | Compare |
| Carlisle | 4,187 | $98,333 | $208,100 | Compare |
| Cresco | 3,901 | $60,769 | $105,200 | Compare |
| Chariton | 4,235 | $52,109 | $84,200 | Compare |
| Forest City | 4,280 | $62,917 | $136,400 | Compare |
| Hampton | 4,311 | $48,922 | $91,900 | Compare |
| Waukon | 3,796 | $56,250 | $133,700 | 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 Monticello With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Monticello
What is the population of Monticello, IA?
The population of Monticello, IA is 4,055 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 Monticello?
The median household income in Monticello, IA is $67,788 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Monticello?
The median home value in Monticello, IA is $160,500, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Monticello?
The median monthly rent in Monticello, IA is $659, which is 43% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Monticello?
The unemployment rate in Monticello, IA is 0.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Monticello, IA a good place to live?
Monticello offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,055 and a median age of 42.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Monticello, IA?
19.4% of residents in Monticello 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 Monticello?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Monticello, IA: median home value is $160,500 (34% below national), median rent is $659/month, and median household income is $67,788. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Monticello?
The poverty rate in Monticello, IA is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Monticello, IA?
Monticello's population is 2.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.