Onawa, IA
Population 2,862 · Iowa
About Onawa, IA
Onawa is a small community in Iowa with a population of 2,862 residents. The median household income is $54,659 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Onawa is 36.3 years.
Housing in Onawa has a median home value of $125,700 and median monthly rent of $1,005. Of the 1,369 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 921 owner-occupied and 346 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Onawa is 1.3% and the poverty rate is 16.1%. 16.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 21.4 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Onawa
What is the population of Onawa, IA?
The population of Onawa, IA is 2,862 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Onawa?
The median household income in Onawa, IA is $54,659 per year.
What is the median home value in Onawa?
The median home value in Onawa, IA is $125,700.
What is the average rent in Onawa?
The median monthly rent in Onawa, IA is $1,005.
What is the unemployment rate in Onawa?
The unemployment rate in Onawa, IA is 1.3%.