Sumner, IA
Population 2,159 · Iowa
About Sumner, IA
Sumner is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 2,159 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,174 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.1 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 Sumner features a median home value of $111,900, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sumner one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $598, 49% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,020 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (708 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (205 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sumner shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sumner have an average one-way commute time of 18.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.1% of Sumner residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sumner, IA
Compared to national averages, Sumner has a median household income of $56,174 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $111,900, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $598 is 49% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Sumner's income is 17% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 15% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Sumner, IA?
Sumner offers affordable housing with a median home value of $111,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $598/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,174) that falls below the national average. However, Sumner’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sumner has a population of 2,159 with a median age of 47.1 years. Compare Sumner with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Sumner
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Porte City | 2,170 | $62,750 | $146,900 | Compare |
| Northwood | 2,170 | $64,615 | $124,800 | Compare |
| Columbus Junction | 2,129 | $76,518 | $114,200 | Compare |
| Lamoni | 2,121 | $52,300 | $107,900 | Compare |
| Denver | 2,216 | $90,156 | $221,100 | Compare |
| Colfax | 2,089 | $82,878 | $160,500 | Compare |
| Toledo | 2,079 | $56,719 | $124,000 | Compare |
| Monroe | 2,074 | $81,488 | $173,500 | 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 Sumner With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sumner
What is the population of Sumner, IA?
The population of Sumner, IA is 2,159 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 Sumner?
The median household income in Sumner, IA is $56,174 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sumner?
The median home value in Sumner, IA is $111,900, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sumner?
The median monthly rent in Sumner, IA is $598, which is 49% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sumner?
The unemployment rate in Sumner, IA is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Sumner, IA a good place to live?
Sumner offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,159 and a median age of 47.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Sumner, IA?
26.1% of residents in Sumner 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 Sumner?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sumner, IA: median home value is $111,900 (54% below national), median rent is $598/month, and median household income is $56,174. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sumner?
The poverty rate in Sumner, IA is 11.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sumner, IA?
Sumner's population is 0.4% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.