Panora, IA
Population 1,520 · Iowa
About Panora, IA
Panora is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,520 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,500 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Panora features a median home value of $164,500, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Panora in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $965, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 680 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (460 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (166 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Panora shows an unemployment rate of 9.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Panora have an average one-way commute time of 22 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.1% of Panora 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 1.7% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Panora, IA
Compared to national averages, Panora has a median household income of $65,500 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $164,500, which is 33% below the national median. Monthly rent at $965 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Panora's income is 4% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 24% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Panora, IA?
Panora offers affordable housing with a median home value of $164,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $965/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,500) that falls below the national average. However, Panora’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Panora has a population of 1,520 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare Panora with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Panora
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanborn | 1,510 | $56,477 | $150,900 | Compare |
| Fairbank | 1,509 | $100,172 | $173,200 | Compare |
| Pocahontas | 1,536 | $56,298 | $96,600 | Compare |
| Wellman | 1,539 | $56,696 | $149,000 | Compare |
| Oakland | 1,500 | $72,500 | $144,600 | Compare |
| Slater | 1,498 | $87,708 | $222,000 | Compare |
| State Center | 1,548 | $72,303 | $156,300 | Compare |
| Holstein | 1,552 | $61,625 | $113,200 | 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 Panora With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Panora
What is the population of Panora, IA?
The population of Panora, IA is 1,520 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 Panora?
The median household income in Panora, IA is $65,500 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Panora?
The median home value in Panora, IA is $164,500, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Panora?
The median monthly rent in Panora, IA is $965, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Panora?
The unemployment rate in Panora, IA is 9.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Panora, IA a good place to live?
Panora offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,520 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Panora, IA?
20.1% of residents in Panora 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 Panora?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Panora, IA: median home value is $164,500 (33% below national), median rent is $965/month, and median household income is $65,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Panora?
The poverty rate in Panora, IA is 9.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Panora, IA?
Panora's population is 1.7% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.