Traer, IA
Population 1,464 · Iowa
About Traer, IA
Traer is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,464 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $79,653 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.5 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 Traer features a median home value of $131,900, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Traer one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,016, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 699 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (464 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (169 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Traer shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Traer have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.4% of Traer 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 0.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Traer, IA
Compared to national averages, Traer has a median household income of $79,653 (6% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $131,900, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,016 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Traer's income is 17% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 0% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Traer, IA?
Traer offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $79,653, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $131,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,016/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and a low poverty rate of 10.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Traer has a population of 1,464 with a median age of 45.5 years. Compare Traer with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Traer
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Van Meter | 1,469 | $133,750 | $250,300 | Compare |
| Roland | 1,458 | $84,779 | $173,100 | Compare |
| Lenox | 1,474 | $59,750 | $106,000 | Compare |
| Manning | 1,474 | $62,310 | $109,400 | Compare |
| Slater | 1,498 | $87,708 | $222,000 | Compare |
| Oakland | 1,500 | $72,500 | $144,600 | Compare |
| Kingsley | 1,427 | $73,103 | $146,200 | Compare |
| Fairbank | 1,509 | $100,172 | $173,200 | 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 Traer With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Traer
What is the population of Traer, IA?
The population of Traer, IA is 1,464 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 Traer?
The median household income in Traer, IA is $79,653 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Traer?
The median home value in Traer, IA is $131,900, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Traer?
The median monthly rent in Traer, IA is $1,016, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Traer?
The unemployment rate in Traer, IA is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Traer, IA a good place to live?
Traer offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,464 and a median age of 45.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Traer, IA?
29.4% of residents in Traer 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 Traer?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Traer, IA: median home value is $131,900 (46% below national), median rent is $1,016/month, and median household income is $79,653. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Traer?
The poverty rate in Traer, IA is 10.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Traer, IA?
Traer's population is 0.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.