Sioux City, IA
Population 85,651 · Iowa
About Sioux City, IA
Sioux City is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 85,651 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,473 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sioux City features a median home value of $162,600, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Sioux City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $936, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 34,901 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (21,512 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (11,331 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sioux City shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sioux City have an average one-way commute time of 17 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.7% of Sioux City 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 15.4% White, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 5.9% Asian residents, with 11.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sioux City Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Sioux City, IA
Compared to national averages, Sioux City has a median household income of $65,473 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $162,600, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $936 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Sioux City's income is 4% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 23% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Sioux City, IA?
Sioux City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $162,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $936/month, and short commute times averaging just 17 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,473) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Sioux City provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Sioux City has a population of 85,651 with a median age of 35.4 years. Compare Sioux City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Sioux City
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City | 75,264 | $57,533 | $273,600 | Compare |
| Ankeny | 70,542 | $106,603 | $311,300 | Compare |
| Davenport | 101,083 | $64,497 | $162,900 | Compare |
| West Des Moines | 69,893 | $84,925 | $286,300 | Compare |
| Waterloo | 66,947 | $56,344 | $150,200 | Compare |
| Ames | 66,112 | $60,102 | $263,800 | Compare |
| Council Bluffs | 62,564 | $64,092 | $164,300 | Compare |
| Dubuque | 59,271 | $64,985 | $193,100 | 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 Sioux City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sioux City
What is the population of Sioux City, IA?
The population of Sioux City, IA is 85,651 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Sioux City?
The median household income in Sioux City, IA is $65,473 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sioux City?
The median home value in Sioux City, IA is $162,600, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sioux City?
The median monthly rent in Sioux City, IA is $936, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sioux City?
The unemployment rate in Sioux City, IA is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sioux City, IA a good place to live?
Sioux City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 85,651 and a median age of 35.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sioux City, IA?
21.7% of residents in Sioux City 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 Sioux City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sioux City, IA: median home value is $162,600 (34% below national), median rent is $936/month, and median household income is $65,473. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sioux City?
The poverty rate in Sioux City, IA is 14.6%, 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 Sioux City, IA?
Sioux City's population is 15.4% White, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 5.9% Asian, and 5.4% two or more races. 11.7% of residents are foreign-born.