Promise City, IA
Population 86 · Iowa
About Promise City, IA
Promise City is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 86 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,406 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.5 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 Promise City features a median home value of $52,800, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Promise City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 53 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (37 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (6 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Promise City 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 19.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Promise City have an average one-way commute time of 30.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.5% of Promise City 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, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Promise City, IA
Compared to national averages, Promise City has a median household income of $41,406 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $52,800, which is 78% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Promise City's income is 39% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 60% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Promise City, IA?
Promise City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $52,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,406) that falls below the national average. However, Promise City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Promise City has a population of 86 with a median age of 54.5 years. Compare Promise City 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 Promise City
What is the population of Promise City, IA?
The population of Promise City, IA is 86 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 Promise City?
The median household income in Promise City, IA is $41,406 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Promise City?
The median home value in Promise City, IA is $52,800, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Promise City?
The median monthly rent in Promise City, IA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Promise City?
The unemployment rate in Promise City, 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 Promise City, IA a good place to live?
Promise City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 86 and a median age of 54.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Promise City, IA?
7.5% of residents in Promise 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 Promise City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Promise City, IA: median home value is $52,800 (78% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $41,406. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Promise City?
The poverty rate in Promise City, IA is 19.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Promise City, IA?
Promise City's population is 0.0% White, 1.2% 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.