Rome, IA
Population 77 · Iowa
About Rome, IA
Rome is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 77 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $29,531 per year, which is 61% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.8 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 Rome features a median home value of $61,300, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rome one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,021, 12% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 47 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (30 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (13 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rome 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 19.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rome have an average one-way commute time of 17.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
1.9% of Rome 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, 13.0% 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 Rome, IA
Compared to national averages, Rome has a median household income of $29,531 (61% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $61,300, which is 75% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,021 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Rome's income is 57% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 54% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Rome, IA?
Rome offers affordable housing with a median home value of $61,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,021/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($29,531) that falls below the national average. However, Rome’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rome has a population of 77 with a median age of 42.8 years. Compare Rome with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Rome
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nemaha | 78 | $55,000 | $65,000 | Compare |
| Sageville | 76 | $78,333 | $235,000 | Compare |
| St. Joseph | 78 | $45,347 | $0 | Compare |
| Arispe | 79 | $46,250 | $73,300 | Compare |
| Olds | 75 | $48,500 | $137,500 | Compare |
| Pacific Junction | 75 | $37,250 | $127,900 | Compare |
| Pleasant Plain | 79 | $66,250 | $73,800 | Compare |
| Sharpsburg | 79 | $46,964 | $96,700 | 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 Rome With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rome
What is the population of Rome, IA?
The population of Rome, IA is 77 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 Rome?
The median household income in Rome, IA is $29,531 per year, which is 61% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rome?
The median home value in Rome, IA is $61,300, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rome?
The median monthly rent in Rome, IA is $1,021, which is 12% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rome?
The unemployment rate in Rome, 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 Rome, IA a good place to live?
Rome offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 77 and a median age of 42.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rome, IA?
1.9% of residents in Rome 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 Rome?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rome, IA: median home value is $61,300 (75% below national), median rent is $1,021/month, and median household income is $29,531. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rome?
The poverty rate in Rome, IA is 19.5%, 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 Rome, IA?
Rome's population is 0.0% White, 13.0% 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.