Mount Vernon, IA
Population 4,551 · Iowa
About Mount Vernon, IA
Mount Vernon is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 4,551 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $106,356 per year, which is 42% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mount Vernon features a median home value of $256,900, which is 5% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Mount Vernon in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $802, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,280 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (1,047 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (148 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mount Vernon shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 6.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Mount Vernon have an average one-way commute time of 21.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
49.5% of Mount Vernon residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.4% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Mount Vernon Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Mount Vernon, IA
Compared to national averages, Mount Vernon has a median household income of $106,356 (42% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $256,900, which is 5% above the national median. Monthly rent at $802 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Mount Vernon's income is 57% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 94% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Mount Vernon, IA?
Mount Vernon offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $106,356, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $802/month, and a well-educated community where 49.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.4 minutes.
Mount Vernon has a population of 4,551 with a median age of 23.7 years. Compare Mount Vernon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Mount Vernon
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camanche | 4,562 | $68,727 | $175,300 | Compare |
| Evansdale | 4,530 | $57,415 | $138,200 | Compare |
| Huxley | 4,440 | $122,716 | $296,100 | Compare |
| Le Claire | 4,718 | $100,404 | $300,200 | Compare |
| Dyersville | 4,357 | $72,768 | $219,800 | Compare |
| Humboldt | 4,761 | $70,661 | $162,600 | Compare |
| Hampton | 4,311 | $48,922 | $91,900 | Compare |
| Forest City | 4,280 | $62,917 | $136,400 | 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 Vernon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Vernon
What is the population of Mount Vernon, IA?
The population of Mount Vernon, IA is 4,551 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 Vernon?
The median household income in Mount Vernon, IA is $106,356 per year, which is 42% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mount Vernon?
The median home value in Mount Vernon, IA is $256,900, which is 5% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mount Vernon?
The median monthly rent in Mount Vernon, IA is $802, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mount Vernon?
The unemployment rate in Mount Vernon, IA is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mount Vernon, IA a good place to live?
Mount Vernon offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,551 and a median age of 23.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Mount Vernon, IA?
49.5% of residents in Mount Vernon aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Mount Vernon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mount Vernon, IA: median home value is $256,900 (5% above national), median rent is $802/month, and median household income is $106,356. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mount Vernon?
The poverty rate in Mount Vernon, IA is 6.2%, 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 Vernon, IA?
Mount Vernon's population is 2.4% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.