Onawa, IA
Population 2,862 · Iowa
About Onawa, IA
Onawa is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 2,862 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,659 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Onawa features a median home value of $125,700, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Onawa one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,005, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,369 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (921 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (346 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Onawa shows an unemployment rate of 1.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Onawa have an average one-way commute time of 21.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.7% of Onawa 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 2.1% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Onawa, IA
Compared to national averages, Onawa has a median household income of $54,659 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $125,700, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,005 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Onawa's income is 20% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 5% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Onawa, IA?
Onawa offers affordable housing with a median home value of $125,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,005/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.3%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,659) that falls below the national average. However, Onawa’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Onawa has a population of 2,862 with a median age of 36.3 years. Compare Onawa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Onawa
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park View | 2,861 | $106,429 | $276,500 | Compare |
| Fairfax | 2,865 | $120,552 | $278,800 | Compare |
| Marengo | 2,823 | $58,125 | $114,100 | Compare |
| Sibley | 2,821 | $54,767 | $119,800 | Compare |
| Madrid | 2,803 | $86,915 | $185,100 | Compare |
| Grundy Center | 2,794 | $77,540 | $173,200 | Compare |
| Postville | 2,787 | $47,281 | $100,300 | Compare |
| Wilton | 2,943 | $71,898 | $162,000 | 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 Onawa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Onawa
What is the population of Onawa, IA?
The population of Onawa, IA is 2,862 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 Onawa?
The median household income in Onawa, IA is $54,659 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Onawa?
The median home value in Onawa, IA is $125,700, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Onawa?
The median monthly rent in Onawa, IA is $1,005, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Onawa?
The unemployment rate in Onawa, IA is 1.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Onawa, IA a good place to live?
Onawa offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,862 and a median age of 36.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Onawa, IA?
16.7% of residents in Onawa 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 Onawa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Onawa, IA: median home value is $125,700 (49% below national), median rent is $1,005/month, and median household income is $54,659. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Onawa?
The poverty rate in Onawa, IA is 16.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Onawa, IA?
Onawa's population is 2.1% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.