Stuart, IA
Population 1,642 · Iowa
About Stuart, IA
Stuart is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,642 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,500 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Stuart features a median home value of $152,300, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Stuart in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $768, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 745 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (510 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (214 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Stuart shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Stuart have an average one-way commute time of 27.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.3% of Stuart 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 8.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 5.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Stuart, IA
Compared to national averages, Stuart has a median household income of $62,500 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,300, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $768 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Stuart's income is 8% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 15% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Stuart, IA?
Stuart offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $768/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,500) that falls below the national average. However, Stuart’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Stuart has a population of 1,642 with a median age of 40.5 years. Compare Stuart with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Stuart
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie City | 1,649 | $78,269 | $177,400 | Compare |
| Nashua | 1,634 | $63,750 | $117,300 | Compare |
| Shell Rock | 1,634 | $70,556 | $159,100 | Compare |
| Lake City | 1,652 | $64,375 | $103,300 | Compare |
| Manson | 1,653 | $70,893 | $118,800 | Compare |
| Urbana | 1,628 | $112,672 | $224,100 | Compare |
| Akron | 1,660 | $59,706 | $145,300 | Compare |
| Monona | 1,618 | $70,509 | $125,900 | 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 Stuart With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Stuart
What is the population of Stuart, IA?
The population of Stuart, IA is 1,642 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Stuart?
The median household income in Stuart, IA is $62,500 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Stuart?
The median home value in Stuart, IA is $152,300, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Stuart?
The median monthly rent in Stuart, IA is $768, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Stuart?
The unemployment rate in Stuart, IA is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Stuart, IA a good place to live?
Stuart offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,642 and a median age of 40.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Stuart, IA?
17.3% of residents in Stuart 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 Stuart?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Stuart, IA: median home value is $152,300 (38% below national), median rent is $768/month, and median household income is $62,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Stuart?
The poverty rate in Stuart, IA is 17.2%, 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 Stuart, IA?
Stuart's population is 8.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 3.9% two or more races. 5.3% of residents are foreign-born.