Mount Ayr, IA
Population 1,739 · Iowa
About Mount Ayr, IA
Mount Ayr is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,739 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,676 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mount Ayr features a median home value of $144,500, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Mount Ayr one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $694, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 821 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (478 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (210 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mount Ayr shows an unemployment rate of 1.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Mount Ayr have an average one-way commute time of 22.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
25.0% of Mount Ayr 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 2.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mount Ayr, IA
Compared to national averages, Mount Ayr has a median household income of $68,676 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $144,500, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $694 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Mount Ayr's income is 1% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 9% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Mount Ayr, IA?
Mount Ayr offers affordable housing with a median home value of $144,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $694/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,676) that falls below the national average. However, Mount Ayr’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mount Ayr has a population of 1,739 with a median age of 40.7 years. Compare Mount Ayr with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Mount Ayr
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parkersburg | 1,747 | $73,482 | $200,000 | Compare |
| Lisbon | 1,782 | $83,125 | $202,600 | Compare |
| Sac City | 1,782 | $57,487 | $106,400 | Compare |
| Leon | 1,795 | $54,868 | $79,600 | Compare |
| Guttenberg | 1,675 | $49,613 | $183,800 | Compare |
| Reinbeck | 1,805 | $85,962 | $152,400 | Compare |
| Farley | 1,809 | $96,563 | $242,600 | Compare |
| Akron | 1,660 | $59,706 | $145,300 | 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 Mount Ayr With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Ayr
What is the population of Mount Ayr, IA?
The population of Mount Ayr, IA is 1,739 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 Mount Ayr?
The median household income in Mount Ayr, IA is $68,676 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mount Ayr?
The median home value in Mount Ayr, IA is $144,500, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mount Ayr?
The median monthly rent in Mount Ayr, IA is $694, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mount Ayr?
The unemployment rate in Mount Ayr, IA is 1.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Mount Ayr, IA a good place to live?
Mount Ayr offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,739 and a median age of 40.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mount Ayr, IA?
25.0% of residents in Mount Ayr 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 Mount Ayr?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mount Ayr, IA: median home value is $144,500 (41% below national), median rent is $694/month, and median household income is $68,676. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mount Ayr?
The poverty rate in Mount Ayr, IA is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Mount Ayr, IA?
Mount Ayr's population is 2.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.