Nashua, IA
Population 1,634 · Iowa
About Nashua, IA
Nashua is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,634 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,750 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.6 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 Nashua features a median home value of $117,300, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Nashua one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $740, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 850 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (592 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (144 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Nashua shows an unemployment rate of 2.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Nashua have an average one-way commute time of 26.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.6% of Nashua 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 0.2% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Nashua, IA
Compared to national averages, Nashua has a median household income of $63,750 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $117,300, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $740 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Nashua's income is 6% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 11% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Nashua, IA?
Nashua offers affordable housing with a median home value of $117,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $740/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,750) that falls below the national average. However, Nashua’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Nashua has a population of 1,634 with a median age of 35.6 years. Compare Nashua with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Nashua
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shell Rock | 1,634 | $70,556 | $159,100 | Compare |
| Urbana | 1,628 | $112,672 | $224,100 | Compare |
| Stuart | 1,642 | $62,500 | $152,300 | Compare |
| Prairie City | 1,649 | $78,269 | $177,400 | Compare |
| Monona | 1,618 | $70,509 | $125,900 | Compare |
| Lake City | 1,652 | $64,375 | $103,300 | Compare |
| Manson | 1,653 | $70,893 | $118,800 | 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 Nashua With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Nashua
What is the population of Nashua, IA?
The population of Nashua, IA is 1,634 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 Nashua?
The median household income in Nashua, IA is $63,750 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Nashua?
The median home value in Nashua, IA is $117,300, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Nashua?
The median monthly rent in Nashua, IA is $740, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Nashua?
The unemployment rate in Nashua, IA is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Nashua, IA a good place to live?
Nashua offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,634 and a median age of 35.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Nashua, IA?
15.6% of residents in Nashua 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 Nashua?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Nashua, IA: median home value is $117,300 (52% below national), median rent is $740/month, and median household income is $63,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Nashua?
The poverty rate in Nashua, IA is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Nashua, IA?
Nashua's population is 0.2% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.