Stanwood, IA
Population 520 · Iowa
About Stanwood, IA
Stanwood is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 520 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 47.8 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 Stanwood features a median home value of $137,700, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Stanwood one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $861, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 283 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (207 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (41 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Stanwood shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Stanwood have an average one-way commute time of 30.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.9% of Stanwood 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, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Stanwood, IA
Compared to national averages, Stanwood has a median household income of $58,750 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $137,700, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $861 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Stanwood's income is 14% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 4% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Stanwood, IA?
Stanwood offers affordable housing with a median home value of $137,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $861/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,750) that falls below the national average. However, Stanwood’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Stanwood has a population of 520 with a median age of 47.8 years. Compare Stanwood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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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 Stanwood
What is the population of Stanwood, IA?
The population of Stanwood, IA is 520 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 Stanwood?
The median household income in Stanwood, IA is $58,750 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Stanwood?
The median home value in Stanwood, IA is $137,700, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Stanwood?
The median monthly rent in Stanwood, IA is $861, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Stanwood?
The unemployment rate in Stanwood, IA is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Stanwood, IA a good place to live?
Stanwood offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 520 and a median age of 47.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Stanwood, IA?
12.9% of residents in Stanwood 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 Stanwood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Stanwood, IA: median home value is $137,700 (44% below national), median rent is $861/month, and median household income is $58,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Stanwood?
The poverty rate in Stanwood, IA is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Stanwood, IA?
Stanwood's population is 0.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 3.1% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.