Prairie City, IA
Population 1,649 · Iowa
About Prairie City, IA
Prairie City is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,649 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $78,269 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Prairie City features a median home value of $177,400, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Prairie City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $796, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 666 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (480 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (144 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Prairie City shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 1.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Prairie City have an average one-way commute time of 27 minutes.
Education & Demographics
29.2% of Prairie City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.7% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Prairie City, IA
Compared to national averages, Prairie City has a median household income of $78,269 (4% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $177,400, which is 28% below the national median. Monthly rent at $796 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Prairie City's income is 15% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 34% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Prairie City, IA?
Prairie City offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $78,269, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $177,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $796/month. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 1.4%, better than the national average.
Prairie City has a population of 1,649 with a median age of 37 years. Compare Prairie City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Prairie City
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake City | 1,652 | $64,375 | $103,300 | Compare |
| Manson | 1,653 | $70,893 | $118,800 | Compare |
| Stuart | 1,642 | $62,500 | $152,300 | Compare |
| Akron | 1,660 | $59,706 | $145,300 | Compare |
| Nashua | 1,634 | $63,750 | $117,300 | Compare |
| Shell Rock | 1,634 | $70,556 | $159,100 | Compare |
| Urbana | 1,628 | $112,672 | $224,100 | Compare |
| Guttenberg | 1,675 | $49,613 | $183,800 | 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 Prairie City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Prairie City
What is the population of Prairie City, IA?
The population of Prairie City, IA is 1,649 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 Prairie City?
The median household income in Prairie City, IA is $78,269 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Prairie City?
The median home value in Prairie City, IA is $177,400, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Prairie City?
The median monthly rent in Prairie City, IA is $796, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Prairie City?
The unemployment rate in Prairie City, IA is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Prairie City, IA a good place to live?
Prairie City offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,649 and a median age of 37, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Prairie City, IA?
29.2% of residents in Prairie City 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 Prairie City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Prairie City, IA: median home value is $177,400 (28% below national), median rent is $796/month, and median household income is $78,269. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Prairie City?
The poverty rate in Prairie City, IA is 1.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Prairie City, IA?
Prairie City's population is 0.7% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.