Rowley, IA
Population 354 · Iowa
About Rowley, IA
Rowley is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 354 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,417 per year, which is 20% 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 Rowley features a median home value of $135,200, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rowley one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,016, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 132 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (107 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (19 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rowley shows an unemployment rate of 8.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 6.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rowley have an average one-way commute time of 25.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.5% of Rowley 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, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rowley, IA
Compared to national averages, Rowley has a median household income of $60,417 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $135,200, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,016 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Rowley's income is 11% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 2% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Rowley, IA?
Rowley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $135,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,016/month, and a low poverty rate of 6.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,417) that falls below the national average. However, Rowley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rowley has a population of 354 with a median age of 41.8 years. Compare Rowley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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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 Rowley
What is the population of Rowley, IA?
The population of Rowley, IA is 354 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 Rowley?
The median household income in Rowley, IA is $60,417 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rowley?
The median home value in Rowley, IA is $135,200, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rowley?
The median monthly rent in Rowley, IA is $1,016, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rowley?
The unemployment rate in Rowley, IA is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rowley, IA a good place to live?
Rowley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 354 and a median age of 41.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rowley, IA?
19.5% of residents in Rowley 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 Rowley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rowley, IA: median home value is $135,200 (45% below national), median rent is $1,016/month, and median household income is $60,417. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rowley?
The poverty rate in Rowley, IA is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rowley, IA?
Rowley's population is 0.0% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.