Ruthven, IA
Population 766 · Iowa
About Ruthven, IA
Ruthven is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 766 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,750 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ruthven features a median home value of $103,400, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ruthven one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $650, 44% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 334 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (210 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (64 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ruthven shows an unemployment rate of 1.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ruthven have an average one-way commute time of 22.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.4% of Ruthven 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 0.8% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 6.9% Asian residents, with 2.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ruthven, IA
Compared to national averages, Ruthven has a median household income of $58,750 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $103,400, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $650 is 44% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Ruthven's income is 14% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 22% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Ruthven, IA?
Ruthven offers affordable housing with a median home value of $103,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $650/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.3%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,750) that falls below the national average. However, Ruthven’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ruthven has a population of 766 with a median age of 36.6 years. Compare Ruthven 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.
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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 Ruthven
What is the population of Ruthven, IA?
The population of Ruthven, IA is 766 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 Ruthven?
The median household income in Ruthven, IA is $58,750 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ruthven?
The median home value in Ruthven, IA is $103,400, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ruthven?
The median monthly rent in Ruthven, IA is $650, which is 44% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ruthven?
The unemployment rate in Ruthven, IA is 1.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ruthven, IA a good place to live?
Ruthven offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 766 and a median age of 36.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ruthven, IA?
15.4% of residents in Ruthven 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 Ruthven?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ruthven, IA: median home value is $103,400 (58% below national), median rent is $650/month, and median household income is $58,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ruthven?
The poverty rate in Ruthven, IA is 13.7%, 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 Ruthven, IA?
Ruthven's population is 0.8% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 6.9% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 2.5% of residents are foreign-born.