Patterson, IA
Population 293 · Iowa
About Patterson, IA
Patterson is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 293 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,786 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Patterson features a median home value of $106,600, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Patterson one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $700, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 130 total housing units, 95% are owner-occupied (118 units) and 5% are renter-occupied (6 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Patterson 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 4.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Patterson have an average one-way commute time of 27.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.5% of Patterson 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, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Patterson, IA
Compared to national averages, Patterson has a median household income of $71,786 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $106,600, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $700 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Patterson's income is 6% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 19% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Patterson, IA?
Patterson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $106,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $700/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,786) that falls below the national average. However, Patterson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Patterson has a population of 293 with a median age of 40.8 years. Compare Patterson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Patterson
What is the population of Patterson, IA?
The population of Patterson, IA is 293 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 Patterson?
The median household income in Patterson, IA is $71,786 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Patterson?
The median home value in Patterson, IA is $106,600, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Patterson?
The median monthly rent in Patterson, IA is $700, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Patterson?
The unemployment rate in Patterson, 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 Patterson, IA a good place to live?
Patterson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 293 and a median age of 40.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Patterson, IA?
8.5% of residents in Patterson 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 Patterson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Patterson, IA: median home value is $106,600 (56% below national), median rent is $700/month, and median household income is $71,786. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Patterson?
The poverty rate in Patterson, IA is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Patterson, IA?
Patterson's population is 0.0% White, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.