New Sharon, IA
Population 1,147 · Iowa
About New Sharon, IA
New Sharon is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,147 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,000 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in New Sharon features a median home value of $125,000, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes New Sharon one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $564, 52% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 637 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (434 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (118 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in New Sharon shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in New Sharon have an average one-way commute time of 18.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.9% of New Sharon 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 0.0% White, 2.8% 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 New Sharon, IA
Compared to national averages, New Sharon has a median household income of $60,000 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $125,000, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $564 is 52% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, New Sharon's income is 12% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 5% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in New Sharon, IA?
New Sharon offers affordable housing with a median home value of $125,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $564/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,000) that falls below the national average. However, New Sharon’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
New Sharon has a population of 1,147 with a median age of 38.9 years. Compare New Sharon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near New Sharon
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glidden | 1,153 | $73,393 | $159,700 | Compare |
| Wayland | 1,140 | $67,000 | $122,200 | Compare |
| St. Ansgar | 1,156 | $75,208 | $143,800 | Compare |
| Conrad | 1,170 | $73,844 | $156,100 | Compare |
| Palo | 1,173 | $103,646 | $274,200 | Compare |
| Lansing | 1,111 | $49,537 | $145,800 | Compare |
| Fruitland | 1,107 | $101,375 | $219,000 | Compare |
| Lake Park | 1,191 | $73,977 | $153,500 | 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 New Sharon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about New Sharon
What is the population of New Sharon, IA?
The population of New Sharon, IA is 1,147 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 New Sharon?
The median household income in New Sharon, IA is $60,000 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in New Sharon?
The median home value in New Sharon, IA is $125,000, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in New Sharon?
The median monthly rent in New Sharon, IA is $564, which is 52% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in New Sharon?
The unemployment rate in New Sharon, IA is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is New Sharon, IA a good place to live?
New Sharon offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,147 and a median age of 38.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is New Sharon, IA?
21.9% of residents in New Sharon 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 New Sharon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for New Sharon, IA: median home value is $125,000 (49% below national), median rent is $564/month, and median household income is $60,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in New Sharon?
The poverty rate in New Sharon, IA is 11.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is New Sharon, IA?
New Sharon's population is 0.0% White, 2.8% 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.