Muscatine, IA
Population 23,567 · Iowa
About Muscatine, IA
Muscatine is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 23,567 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,332 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Muscatine features a median home value of $146,900, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Muscatine one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $979, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,490 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (6,574 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (3,002 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Muscatine shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Muscatine have an average one-way commute time of 17.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.2% of Muscatine 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 15.3% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 3.6% Asian residents, with 8.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Muscatine Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Muscatine, IA
Compared to national averages, Muscatine has a median household income of $59,332 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $146,900, which is 40% below the national median. Monthly rent at $979 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Muscatine's income is 13% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 11% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Muscatine, IA?
Muscatine offers affordable housing with a median home value of $146,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $979/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,332) that falls below the national average. However, Muscatine’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Muscatine has a population of 23,567 with a median age of 36.7 years. Compare Muscatine with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Muscatine
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | 23,800 | $55,274 | $115,800 | Compare |
| Johnston | 24,196 | $103,430 | $346,200 | Compare |
| Coralville | 22,846 | $66,508 | $286,000 | Compare |
| Clinton | 24,425 | $57,493 | $115,400 | Compare |
| Fort Dodge | 24,788 | $61,769 | $128,900 | Compare |
| Ottumwa | 25,352 | $56,994 | $92,400 | Compare |
| North Liberty | 20,782 | $103,933 | $300,000 | Compare |
| Altoona | 20,592 | $87,123 | $257,300 | 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 Muscatine With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Muscatine
What is the population of Muscatine, IA?
The population of Muscatine, IA is 23,567 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Muscatine?
The median household income in Muscatine, IA is $59,332 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Muscatine?
The median home value in Muscatine, IA is $146,900, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Muscatine?
The median monthly rent in Muscatine, IA is $979, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Muscatine?
The unemployment rate in Muscatine, IA is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Muscatine, IA a good place to live?
Muscatine offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 23,567 and a median age of 36.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Muscatine, IA?
21.2% of residents in Muscatine 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 Muscatine?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Muscatine, IA: median home value is $146,900 (40% below national), median rent is $979/month, and median household income is $59,332. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Muscatine?
The poverty rate in Muscatine, IA is 16.5%, 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 Muscatine, IA?
Muscatine's population is 15.3% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 3.6% Asian, and 4.5% two or more races. 8.2% of residents are foreign-born.