Newton, IA
Population 15,696 · Iowa
About Newton, IA
Newton is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 15,696 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,321 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Newton features a median home value of $151,600, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Newton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $828, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,472 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (4,402 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (2,296 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Newton shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Newton have an average one-way commute time of 21.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.8% of Newton 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 1.8% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 4.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Newton Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Newton, IA
Compared to national averages, Newton has a median household income of $56,321 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $151,600, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $828 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Newton's income is 17% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 15% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Newton, IA?
Newton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $151,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $828/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.2%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,321) that falls below the national average. However, Newton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Newton has a population of 15,696 with a median age of 43.2 years. Compare Newton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Newton
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grimes | 15,810 | $104,497 | $281,000 | Compare |
| Indianola | 15,918 | $78,125 | $228,100 | Compare |
| Norwalk | 13,610 | $94,583 | $275,700 | Compare |
| Clive | 18,776 | $131,082 | $379,000 | Compare |
| Boone | 12,445 | $67,269 | $156,400 | Compare |
| Oskaloosa | 11,492 | $62,172 | $128,900 | Compare |
| Spencer | 11,393 | $57,068 | $178,300 | Compare |
| Storm Lake | 11,275 | $58,341 | $163,600 | 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 Newton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Newton
What is the population of Newton, IA?
The population of Newton, IA is 15,696 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 Newton?
The median household income in Newton, IA is $56,321 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Newton?
The median home value in Newton, IA is $151,600, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Newton?
The median monthly rent in Newton, IA is $828, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Newton?
The unemployment rate in Newton, IA is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Newton, IA a good place to live?
Newton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,696 and a median age of 43.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Newton, IA?
18.8% of residents in Newton 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 Newton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Newton, IA: median home value is $151,600 (38% below national), median rent is $828/month, and median household income is $56,321. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Newton?
The poverty rate in Newton, 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 Newton, IA?
Newton's population is 1.8% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 4.5% of residents are foreign-born.