Rhodes, IA
Population 285 · Iowa
About Rhodes, IA
Rhodes is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 285 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,029 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.1 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 Rhodes features a median home value of $90,500, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rhodes one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $436, 63% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 139 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (109 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (19 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rhodes shows an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rhodes have an average one-way commute time of 35.4 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
8.3% of Rhodes 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, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rhodes Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Rhodes, IA
Compared to national averages, Rhodes has a median household income of $71,029 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $90,500, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $436 is 63% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Rhodes's income is 5% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 32% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Rhodes, IA?
Rhodes offers affordable housing with a median home value of $90,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $436/month, and a low poverty rate of 7.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,029) that falls below the national average. However, Rhodes’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rhodes has a population of 285 with a median age of 45.1 years. Compare Rhodes with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rhodes
What is the population of Rhodes, IA?
The population of Rhodes, IA is 285 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 Rhodes?
The median household income in Rhodes, IA is $71,029 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rhodes?
The median home value in Rhodes, IA is $90,500, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rhodes?
The median monthly rent in Rhodes, IA is $436, which is 63% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rhodes?
The unemployment rate in Rhodes, IA is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rhodes, IA a good place to live?
Rhodes offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 285 and a median age of 45.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Rhodes, IA?
8.3% of residents in Rhodes 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 Rhodes?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rhodes, IA: median home value is $90,500 (63% below national), median rent is $436/month, and median household income is $71,029. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rhodes?
The poverty rate in Rhodes, IA is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rhodes, IA?
Rhodes's population is 0.0% White, 4.2% 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.