Swaledale, IA
Population 125 · Iowa
About Swaledale, IA
Swaledale is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 125 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,500 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 59.8 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 Swaledale features a median home value of $55,000, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Swaledale one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $604, 48% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 69 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (38 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (22 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Swaledale 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 7.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Swaledale have an average one-way commute time of 32.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
1.8% of Swaledale 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, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Swaledale, IA
Compared to national averages, Swaledale has a median household income of $47,500 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $55,000, which is 78% below the national median. Monthly rent at $604 is 48% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Swaledale's income is 30% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 58% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Swaledale, IA?
Swaledale offers affordable housing with a median home value of $55,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $604/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,500) that falls below the national average. However, Swaledale’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Swaledale has a population of 125 with a median age of 59.8 years. Compare Swaledale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Swaledale
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center Junction | 125 | $32,679 | $57,800 | Compare |
| Centralia | 125 | $73,750 | $230,000 | Compare |
| Morrison | 125 | $88,750 | $137,500 | Compare |
| Rock Falls | 125 | $66,875 | $156,300 | Compare |
| Whitten | 125 | $68,750 | $49,000 | Compare |
| Delaware | 126 | $72,083 | $139,500 | Compare |
| East Peru | 126 | $67,083 | $87,500 | Compare |
| South Amana | 126 | $107,250 | $287,500 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Swaledale
What is the population of Swaledale, IA?
The population of Swaledale, IA is 125 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 Swaledale?
The median household income in Swaledale, IA is $47,500 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Swaledale?
The median home value in Swaledale, IA is $55,000, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Swaledale?
The median monthly rent in Swaledale, IA is $604, which is 48% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Swaledale?
The unemployment rate in Swaledale, 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 Swaledale, IA a good place to live?
Swaledale offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 125 and a median age of 59.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Swaledale, IA?
1.8% of residents in Swaledale 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 Swaledale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Swaledale, IA: median home value is $55,000 (78% below national), median rent is $604/month, and median household income is $47,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Swaledale?
The poverty rate in Swaledale, IA is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Swaledale, IA?
Swaledale's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.