Northwood, IA
Population 2,170 · Iowa
About Northwood, IA
Northwood is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 2,170 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,615 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.3 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 Northwood features a median home value of $124,800, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Northwood one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $583, 50% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 961 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (760 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (170 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Northwood shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Northwood have an average one-way commute time of 18.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.5% of Northwood 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 1.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Northwood, IA
Compared to national averages, Northwood has a median household income of $64,615 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $124,800, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $583 is 50% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Northwood's income is 5% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 6% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Northwood, IA?
Northwood offers affordable housing with a median home value of $124,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $583/month, and a low poverty rate of 5.2%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,615) that falls below the national average. However, Northwood’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Northwood has a population of 2,170 with a median age of 46.3 years. Compare Northwood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Northwood
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Porte City | 2,170 | $62,750 | $146,900 | Compare |
| Sumner | 2,159 | $56,174 | $111,900 | Compare |
| Columbus Junction | 2,129 | $76,518 | $114,200 | Compare |
| Denver | 2,216 | $90,156 | $221,100 | Compare |
| Lamoni | 2,121 | $52,300 | $107,900 | Compare |
| Hull | 2,248 | $76,213 | $215,700 | Compare |
| Colfax | 2,089 | $82,878 | $160,500 | Compare |
| Bellevue | 2,256 | $78,792 | $210,500 | 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 Northwood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Northwood
What is the population of Northwood, IA?
The population of Northwood, IA is 2,170 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 Northwood?
The median household income in Northwood, IA is $64,615 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Northwood?
The median home value in Northwood, IA is $124,800, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Northwood?
The median monthly rent in Northwood, IA is $583, which is 50% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Northwood?
The unemployment rate in Northwood, IA is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Northwood, IA a good place to live?
Northwood offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,170 and a median age of 46.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Northwood, IA?
18.5% of residents in Northwood 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 Northwood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Northwood, IA: median home value is $124,800 (49% below national), median rent is $583/month, and median household income is $64,615. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Northwood?
The poverty rate in Northwood, IA is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Northwood, IA?
Northwood's population is 1.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.