Odebolt, IA
Population 905 · Iowa
About Odebolt, IA
Odebolt is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 905 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,914 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 55.3 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 Odebolt features a median home value of $98,100, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Odebolt one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $499, 57% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 496 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (312 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (98 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Odebolt shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Odebolt have an average one-way commute time of 17.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.5% of Odebolt 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, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Odebolt Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Odebolt, IA
Compared to national averages, Odebolt has a median household income of $54,914 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $98,100, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $499 is 57% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Odebolt's income is 19% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 26% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Odebolt, IA?
Odebolt offers affordable housing with a median home value of $98,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $499/month, and a low poverty rate of 8.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,914) that falls below the national average. However, Odebolt’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Odebolt has a population of 905 with a median age of 55.3 years. Compare Odebolt with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Odebolt
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurelia | 905 | $68,605 | $135,900 | Compare |
| Beaverdale | 905 | $66,000 | $171,200 | Compare |
| Lawton | 906 | $90,278 | $246,800 | Compare |
| Mechanicsville | 906 | $76,190 | $155,500 | Compare |
| North English | 907 | $52,386 | $105,800 | Compare |
| Tabor | 908 | $68,277 | $189,800 | Compare |
| Arnolds Park | 911 | $84,659 | $407,600 | Compare |
| Gowrie | 894 | $74,375 | $98,400 | 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 Odebolt With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Odebolt
What is the population of Odebolt, IA?
The population of Odebolt, IA is 905 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Odebolt?
The median household income in Odebolt, IA is $54,914 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Odebolt?
The median home value in Odebolt, IA is $98,100, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Odebolt?
The median monthly rent in Odebolt, IA is $499, which is 57% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Odebolt?
The unemployment rate in Odebolt, IA is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Odebolt, IA a good place to live?
Odebolt offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 905 and a median age of 55.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Odebolt, IA?
16.5% of residents in Odebolt 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 Odebolt?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Odebolt, IA: median home value is $98,100 (60% below national), median rent is $499/month, and median household income is $54,914. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Odebolt?
The poverty rate in Odebolt, IA is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Odebolt, IA?
Odebolt's population is 0.7% White, 1.9% 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.