Ralston, IA
Population 66 · Iowa
About Ralston, IA
Ralston is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 66 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,500 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ralston features a median home value of $86,700, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ralston 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 31 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (24 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (4 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ralston shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 21.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ralston have an average one-way commute time of 21 minutes.
Education & Demographics
4.3% of Ralston 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 4.5% White, 3.0% 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 Ralston, IA
Compared to national averages, Ralston has a median household income of $67,500 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $86,700, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Ralston's income is 1% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 34% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Ralston, IA?
Ralston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $86,700, 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 3.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,500) that falls below the national average. However, Ralston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ralston has a population of 66 with a median age of 41.8 years. Compare Ralston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Ralston
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
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 Ralston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ralston
What is the population of Ralston, IA?
The population of Ralston, IA is 66 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 Ralston?
The median household income in Ralston, IA is $67,500 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ralston?
The median home value in Ralston, IA is $86,700, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ralston?
The median monthly rent in Ralston, IA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ralston?
The unemployment rate in Ralston, IA is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ralston, IA a good place to live?
Ralston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 66 and a median age of 41.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ralston, IA?
4.3% of residents in Ralston 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 Ralston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ralston, IA: median home value is $86,700 (65% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $67,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ralston?
The poverty rate in Ralston, IA is 21.2%, 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 Ralston, IA?
Ralston's population is 4.5% White, 3.0% 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.