Pella, IA
Population 10,624 · Iowa
About Pella, IA
Pella is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 10,624 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $81,201 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.1 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 Pella features a median home value of $259,600, which is 6% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Pella in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,041, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,226 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (2,509 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (1,500 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pella shows an unemployment rate of 1.1%, 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 Pella have an average one-way commute time of 13.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
47.8% of Pella residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.5% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pella Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Pella, IA
Compared to national averages, Pella has a median household income of $81,201 (8% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $259,600, which is 6% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,041 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Pella's income is 20% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 96% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Pella, IA?
Pella offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $81,201, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,041/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.1%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 47.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 13.4 minutes.
Pella has a population of 10,624 with a median age of 35.1 years. Compare Pella with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Pella
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Mars | 10,597 | $72,381 | $202,200 | Compare |
| Pleasant Hill | 10,796 | $86,890 | $284,100 | Compare |
| Waverly | 10,446 | $78,429 | $215,200 | Compare |
| Carroll | 10,261 | $59,323 | $184,100 | Compare |
| Fort Madison | 10,221 | $49,359 | $95,900 | Compare |
| Storm Lake | 11,275 | $58,341 | $163,600 | Compare |
| Spencer | 11,393 | $57,068 | $178,300 | Compare |
| Oskaloosa | 11,492 | $62,172 | $128,900 | 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 Pella With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pella
What is the population of Pella, IA?
The population of Pella, IA is 10,624 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Pella?
The median household income in Pella, IA is $81,201 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pella?
The median home value in Pella, IA is $259,600, which is 6% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pella?
The median monthly rent in Pella, IA is $1,041, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pella?
The unemployment rate in Pella, IA is 1.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Pella, IA a good place to live?
Pella offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 10,624 and a median age of 35.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pella, IA?
47.8% of residents in Pella 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 Pella?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pella, IA: median home value is $259,600 (6% above national), median rent is $1,041/month, and median household income is $81,201. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pella?
The poverty rate in Pella, 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 Pella, IA?
Pella's population is 2.5% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.