Norwalk, IA
Population 13,610 · Iowa
About Norwalk, IA
Norwalk is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 13,610 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $94,583 per year, which is 26% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Norwalk features a median home value of $275,700, which is 13% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Norwalk in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $869, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,541 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (4,477 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (811 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Norwalk shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Norwalk have an average one-way commute time of 21.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
40.2% of Norwalk residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Norwalk Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Norwalk, IA
Compared to national averages, Norwalk has a median household income of $94,583 (26% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $275,700, which is 13% above the national median. Monthly rent at $869 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Norwalk's income is 39% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 108% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Norwalk, IA?
Norwalk offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $94,583, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $869/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 40.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.6 minutes.
Norwalk has a population of 13,610 with a median age of 36.5 years. Compare Norwalk with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Norwalk
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boone | 12,445 | $67,269 | $156,400 | Compare |
| Newton | 15,696 | $56,321 | $151,600 | Compare |
| Oskaloosa | 11,492 | $62,172 | $128,900 | Compare |
| Grimes | 15,810 | $104,497 | $281,000 | Compare |
| Spencer | 11,393 | $57,068 | $178,300 | Compare |
| Indianola | 15,918 | $78,125 | $228,100 | Compare |
| Storm Lake | 11,275 | $58,341 | $163,600 | Compare |
| Pleasant Hill | 10,796 | $86,890 | $284,100 | 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 Norwalk With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Norwalk
What is the population of Norwalk, IA?
The population of Norwalk, IA is 13,610 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 Norwalk?
The median household income in Norwalk, IA is $94,583 per year, which is 26% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Norwalk?
The median home value in Norwalk, IA is $275,700, which is 13% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Norwalk?
The median monthly rent in Norwalk, IA is $869, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Norwalk?
The unemployment rate in Norwalk, IA is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Norwalk, IA a good place to live?
Norwalk offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 13,610 and a median age of 36.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Norwalk, IA?
40.2% of residents in Norwalk aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Norwalk?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Norwalk, IA: median home value is $275,700 (13% above national), median rent is $869/month, and median household income is $94,583. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Norwalk?
The poverty rate in Norwalk, IA is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Norwalk, IA?
Norwalk's population is 1.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.