Pocahontas, IA
Population 1,536 · Iowa
About Pocahontas, IA
Pocahontas is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,536 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,298 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pocahontas features a median home value of $96,600, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Pocahontas 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 856 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (592 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (131 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pocahontas shows an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Pocahontas have an average one-way commute time of 14.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.8% of Pocahontas 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 0.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pocahontas, IA
Compared to national averages, Pocahontas has a median household income of $56,298 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $96,600, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $700 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Pocahontas's income is 17% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 27% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Pocahontas, IA?
Pocahontas offers affordable housing with a median home value of $96,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $700/month, and a low poverty rate of 8.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,298) that falls below the national average. However, Pocahontas’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pocahontas has a population of 1,536 with a median age of 48.9 years. Compare Pocahontas with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Pocahontas
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellman | 1,539 | $56,696 | $149,000 | Compare |
| State Center | 1,548 | $72,303 | $156,300 | Compare |
| Holstein | 1,552 | $61,625 | $113,200 | Compare |
| Panora | 1,520 | $65,500 | $164,500 | Compare |
| Ackley | 1,554 | $61,667 | $99,200 | Compare |
| Sanborn | 1,510 | $56,477 | $150,900 | Compare |
| Fairbank | 1,509 | $100,172 | $173,200 | Compare |
| Brooklyn | 1,565 | $71,500 | $123,600 | 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 Pocahontas With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pocahontas
What is the population of Pocahontas, IA?
The population of Pocahontas, IA is 1,536 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 Pocahontas?
The median household income in Pocahontas, IA is $56,298 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pocahontas?
The median home value in Pocahontas, IA is $96,600, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pocahontas?
The median monthly rent in Pocahontas, IA is $700, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pocahontas?
The unemployment rate in Pocahontas, IA is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pocahontas, IA a good place to live?
Pocahontas offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,536 and a median age of 48.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Pocahontas, IA?
21.8% of residents in Pocahontas 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 Pocahontas?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pocahontas, IA: median home value is $96,600 (61% below national), median rent is $700/month, and median household income is $56,298. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pocahontas?
The poverty rate in Pocahontas, IA is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Pocahontas, IA?
Pocahontas's population is 0.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.