Mystic, IA
Population 257 · Iowa
About Mystic, IA
Mystic is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 257 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,222 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mystic features a median home value of $56,900, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Mystic one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $621, 47% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 147 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (88 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (22 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mystic shows an unemployment rate of 10.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Mystic have an average one-way commute time of 19.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
3.5% of Mystic 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 10.5% White, 10.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mystic, IA
Compared to national averages, Mystic has a median household income of $42,222 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $56,900, which is 77% below the national median. Monthly rent at $621 is 47% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Mystic's income is 38% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 57% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Mystic, IA?
Mystic offers affordable housing with a median home value of $56,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $621/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.7%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,222) that falls below the national average. However, Mystic’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mystic has a population of 257 with a median age of 38.6 years. Compare Mystic with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Mystic
What is the population of Mystic, IA?
The population of Mystic, IA is 257 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Mystic?
The median household income in Mystic, IA is $42,222 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mystic?
The median home value in Mystic, IA is $56,900, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mystic?
The median monthly rent in Mystic, IA is $621, which is 47% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mystic?
The unemployment rate in Mystic, IA is 10.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mystic, IA a good place to live?
Mystic offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 257 and a median age of 38.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mystic, IA?
3.5% of residents in Mystic 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 Mystic?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mystic, IA: median home value is $56,900 (77% below national), median rent is $621/month, and median household income is $42,222. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mystic?
The poverty rate in Mystic, IA is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Mystic, IA?
Mystic's population is 10.5% White, 10.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.