Sabula, IA
Population 543 · Iowa
About Sabula, IA
Sabula is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 543 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 49.6 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 Sabula features a median home value of $116,300, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sabula one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $955, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 297 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (192 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (55 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sabula shows an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sabula have an average one-way commute time of 21.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
5.1% of Sabula 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 1.7% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sabula, IA
Compared to national averages, Sabula has a median household income of $60,417 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $116,300, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $955 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Sabula's income is 11% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 12% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Sabula, IA?
Sabula offers affordable housing with a median home value of $116,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $955/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,417) that falls below the national average. However, Sabula’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sabula has a population of 543 with a median age of 49.6 years. Compare Sabula 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 Sabula
What is the population of Sabula, IA?
The population of Sabula, IA is 543 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 Sabula?
The median household income in Sabula, IA is $60,417 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sabula?
The median home value in Sabula, IA is $116,300, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sabula?
The median monthly rent in Sabula, IA is $955, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sabula?
The unemployment rate in Sabula, IA is 2.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Sabula, IA a good place to live?
Sabula offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 543 and a median age of 49.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Sabula, IA?
5.1% of residents in Sabula 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 Sabula?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sabula, IA: median home value is $116,300 (53% below national), median rent is $955/month, and median household income is $60,417. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sabula?
The poverty rate in Sabula, IA is 9.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sabula, IA?
Sabula's population is 1.7% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.