Paton, IA
Population 210 · Iowa
About Paton, IA
Paton is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 210 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,292 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Paton features a median home value of $70,000, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Paton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $500, 57% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 95 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (74 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (13 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Paton shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Paton have an average one-way commute time of 26.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.6% of Paton 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.
How Paton Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Paton, IA
Compared to national averages, Paton has a median household income of $62,292 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $70,000, which is 71% below the national median. Monthly rent at $500 is 57% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Paton's income is 8% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 47% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Paton, IA?
Paton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $70,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $500/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,292) that falls below the national average. However, Paton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Paton has a population of 210 with a median age of 35.4 years. Compare Paton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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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 Paton
What is the population of Paton, IA?
The population of Paton, IA is 210 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 Paton?
The median household income in Paton, IA is $62,292 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Paton?
The median home value in Paton, IA is $70,000, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Paton?
The median monthly rent in Paton, IA is $500, which is 57% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Paton?
The unemployment rate in Paton, IA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Paton, IA a good place to live?
Paton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 210 and a median age of 35.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Paton, IA?
21.6% of residents in Paton 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 Paton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Paton, IA: median home value is $70,000 (71% below national), median rent is $500/month, and median household income is $62,292. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Paton?
The poverty rate in Paton, IA is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Paton, IA?
Paton'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.