Orleans, IA
Population 593 · Iowa
About Orleans, IA
Orleans is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 593 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,058 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 57.7 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 Orleans features a median home value of $448,800, which is 83% above the national median of $244,900. This places Orleans in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $961, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 635 total housing units, 89% are owner-occupied (267 units) and 11% are renter-occupied (32 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Orleans shows an unemployment rate of 9.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 1.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Orleans have an average one-way commute time of 19.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
40.0% of Orleans 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 0.7% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 13.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Orleans, IA
Compared to national averages, Orleans has a median household income of $66,058 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $448,800, which is 83% above the national median. Monthly rent at $961 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Orleans's income is 3% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 239% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Orleans, IA?
Orleans offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $961/month, and a well-educated community where 40.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 1.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,058) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $448,800. However, Orleans’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Orleans has a population of 593 with a median age of 57.7 years. Compare Orleans with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Orleans
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crescent | 591 | $104,583 | $265,000 | Compare |
| Martensdale | 588 | $53,750 | $176,400 | Compare |
| Moravia | 587 | $53,750 | $113,600 | Compare |
| Everly | 586 | $55,192 | $104,400 | Compare |
| Hopkinton | 586 | $80,536 | $108,900 | Compare |
| Colesburg | 585 | $50,000 | $103,700 | Compare |
| Zearing | 584 | $67,031 | $138,600 | Compare |
| Moulton | 577 | $56,806 | $51,300 | 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 Orleans With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Orleans
What is the population of Orleans, IA?
The population of Orleans, IA is 593 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 Orleans?
The median household income in Orleans, IA is $66,058 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Orleans?
The median home value in Orleans, IA is $448,800, which is 83% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Orleans?
The median monthly rent in Orleans, IA is $961, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Orleans?
The unemployment rate in Orleans, IA is 9.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Orleans, IA a good place to live?
Orleans offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 593 and a median age of 57.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Orleans, IA?
40.0% of residents in Orleans 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 Orleans?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Orleans, IA: median home value is $448,800 (83% above national), median rent is $961/month, and median household income is $66,058. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Orleans?
The poverty rate in Orleans, IA is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Orleans, IA?
Orleans's population is 0.7% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 13.0% of residents are foreign-born.