Packwood, IA
Population 484 · Iowa
About Packwood, IA
Packwood is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 484 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,750 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Packwood features a median home value of $79,100, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Packwood one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $750, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 154 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (131 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (20 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Packwood shows an unemployment rate of 13.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 1.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Packwood have an average one-way commute time of 20.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.5% of Packwood 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Packwood, IA
Compared to national averages, Packwood has a median household income of $43,750 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $79,100, which is 68% below the national median. Monthly rent at $750 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Packwood's income is 36% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 40% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Packwood, IA?
Packwood offers affordable housing with a median home value of $79,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $750/month, and a low poverty rate of 1.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,750) that falls below the national average. However, Packwood’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Packwood has a population of 484 with a median age of 37.4 years. Compare Packwood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Packwood
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocheyedan | 486 | $71,875 | $105,400 | Compare |
| Diagonal | 481 | $80,417 | $84,400 | Compare |
| Anthon | 488 | $52,500 | $94,800 | Compare |
| Stacyville | 480 | $61,875 | $107,800 | Compare |
| Birmingham | 479 | $58,688 | $97,300 | Compare |
| Charter Oak | 489 | $58,068 | $81,600 | Compare |
| Livermore | 478 | $62,273 | $67,700 | Compare |
| Norway | 490 | $91,250 | $155,400 | 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 Packwood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Packwood
What is the population of Packwood, IA?
The population of Packwood, IA is 484 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 Packwood?
The median household income in Packwood, IA is $43,750 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Packwood?
The median home value in Packwood, IA is $79,100, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Packwood?
The median monthly rent in Packwood, IA is $750, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Packwood?
The unemployment rate in Packwood, IA is 13.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Packwood, IA a good place to live?
Packwood offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 484 and a median age of 37.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Packwood, IA?
15.5% of residents in Packwood 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 Packwood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Packwood, IA: median home value is $79,100 (68% below national), median rent is $750/month, and median household income is $43,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Packwood?
The poverty rate in Packwood, IA is 1.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Packwood, IA?
Packwood's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% 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.