Rathbun, IA
Population 36 · Iowa
About Rathbun, IA
Rathbun is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 36 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,500 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 56.3 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 Rathbun features a median home value of $55,000, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rathbun 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 42 total housing units, 100% are owner-occupied (20 units) and 0% are renter-occupied (0 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rathbun shows an unemployment rate of 10.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rathbun have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
0.0% of Rathbun 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, 0.0% 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 Rathbun, IA
Compared to national averages, Rathbun has a median household income of $72,500 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $55,000, which is 78% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Rathbun's income is 7% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 58% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Rathbun, IA?
Rathbun offers affordable housing with a median home value of $55,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a low poverty rate of 8.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,500) that falls below the national average. However, Rathbun’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rathbun has a population of 36 with a median age of 56.3 years. Compare Rathbun 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 Rathbun
What is the population of Rathbun, IA?
The population of Rathbun, IA is 36 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 Rathbun?
The median household income in Rathbun, IA is $72,500 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rathbun?
The median home value in Rathbun, IA is $55,000, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rathbun?
The median monthly rent in Rathbun, IA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rathbun?
The unemployment rate in Rathbun, IA is 10.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rathbun, IA a good place to live?
Rathbun offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 36 and a median age of 56.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Rathbun, IA?
0.0% of residents in Rathbun 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 Rathbun?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rathbun, IA: median home value is $55,000 (78% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $72,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rathbun?
The poverty rate in Rathbun, IA is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rathbun, IA?
Rathbun's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% 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.