Mount Pleasant, IA
Population 9,093 · Iowa
About Mount Pleasant, IA
Mount Pleasant is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 9,093 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,216 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mount Pleasant features a median home value of $145,600, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Mount Pleasant one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $773, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,797 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (2,189 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (1,175 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mount Pleasant shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mount Pleasant have an average one-way commute time of 14 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.5% of Mount Pleasant 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 6.2% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 2.0% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 4.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Mount Pleasant Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Mount Pleasant, IA
Compared to national averages, Mount Pleasant has a median household income of $59,216 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $145,600, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $773 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Mount Pleasant's income is 13% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 10% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Mount Pleasant, IA?
Mount Pleasant offers affordable housing with a median home value of $145,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $773/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,216) that falls below the national average. However, Mount Pleasant’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mount Pleasant has a population of 9,093 with a median age of 35.9 years. Compare Mount Pleasant with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Mount Pleasant
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield | 9,438 | $48,302 | $152,900 | Compare |
| Grinnell | 9,527 | $64,426 | $191,700 | Compare |
| Keokuk | 9,748 | $49,340 | $93,700 | Compare |
| Sioux Center | 8,335 | $87,555 | $275,900 | Compare |
| Denison | 8,247 | $63,850 | $137,600 | Compare |
| Bondurant | 8,061 | $128,341 | $288,600 | Compare |
| Fort Madison | 10,221 | $49,359 | $95,900 | Compare |
| Perry | 7,928 | $63,983 | $122,100 | 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 Mount Pleasant With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Pleasant
What is the population of Mount Pleasant, IA?
The population of Mount Pleasant, IA is 9,093 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 Pleasant?
The median household income in Mount Pleasant, IA is $59,216 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mount Pleasant?
The median home value in Mount Pleasant, IA is $145,600, 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 Pleasant?
The median monthly rent in Mount Pleasant, IA is $773, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mount Pleasant?
The unemployment rate in Mount Pleasant, IA is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Mount Pleasant, IA a good place to live?
Mount Pleasant offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 9,093 and a median age of 35.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mount Pleasant, IA?
23.5% of residents in Mount Pleasant 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 Pleasant?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mount Pleasant, IA: median home value is $145,600 (41% below national), median rent is $773/month, and median household income is $59,216. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mount Pleasant?
The poverty rate in Mount Pleasant, IA is 17.1%, 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 Mount Pleasant, IA?
Mount Pleasant's population is 6.2% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 2.0% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 5.4% two or more races. 4.5% of residents are foreign-born.