Nora Springs, IA
Population 1,394 · Iowa
About Nora Springs, IA
Nora Springs is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,394 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,083 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.8 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 Nora Springs features a median home value of $126,300, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Nora Springs one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $757, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 673 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (460 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (107 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Nora Springs shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Nora Springs have an average one-way commute time of 22.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.2% of Nora Springs 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 0.7% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Nora Springs, IA
Compared to national averages, Nora Springs has a median household income of $72,083 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $126,300, which is 48% below the national median. Monthly rent at $757 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Nora Springs's income is 6% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 4% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Nora Springs, IA?
Nora Springs offers affordable housing with a median home value of $126,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $757/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,083) that falls below the national average. However, Nora Springs’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Nora Springs has a population of 1,394 with a median age of 43.8 years. Compare Nora Springs with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Nora Springs
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greene | 1,390 | $54,298 | $125,200 | Compare |
| Bedford | 1,389 | $57,031 | $88,900 | Compare |
| Coon Rapids | 1,403 | $64,338 | $129,300 | Compare |
| Earlham | 1,406 | $104,464 | $248,400 | Compare |
| Malvern | 1,415 | $82,027 | $173,900 | Compare |
| Strawberry Point | 1,415 | $58,352 | $115,200 | Compare |
| Woodbine | 1,418 | $54,167 | $141,900 | Compare |
| Avoca | 1,369 | $70,552 | $165,700 | 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 Nora Springs With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Nora Springs
What is the population of Nora Springs, IA?
The population of Nora Springs, IA is 1,394 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 Nora Springs?
The median household income in Nora Springs, IA is $72,083 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Nora Springs?
The median home value in Nora Springs, IA is $126,300, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Nora Springs?
The median monthly rent in Nora Springs, IA is $757, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Nora Springs?
The unemployment rate in Nora Springs, IA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Nora Springs, IA a good place to live?
Nora Springs offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,394 and a median age of 43.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Nora Springs, IA?
21.2% of residents in Nora Springs 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 Nora Springs?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Nora Springs, IA: median home value is $126,300 (48% below national), median rent is $757/month, and median household income is $72,083. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Nora Springs?
The poverty rate in Nora Springs, IA is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Nora Springs, IA?
Nora Springs's population is 0.7% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.4% two or more races. 0.1% of residents are foreign-born.