University Heights, IA
Population 1,232 · Iowa
About University Heights, IA
University Heights is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,232 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $105,172 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in University Heights features a median home value of $393,200, which is 61% above the national median of $244,900. This places University Heights in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,417, 22% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 573 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (277 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (223 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in University Heights shows an unemployment rate of 0.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in University Heights have an average one-way commute time of 17.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
89.2% of University Heights residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.7% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 5.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How University Heights Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in University Heights, IA
Compared to national averages, University Heights has a median household income of $105,172 (40% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $393,200, which is 61% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,417 is 22% above the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, University Heights's income is 55% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 197% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in University Heights, IA?
University Heights offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $105,172, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.6%, and a well-educated community where 89.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $393,200. However, University Heights’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
University Heights has a population of 1,232 with a median age of 27.6 years. Compare University Heights with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near University Heights
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laurens | 1,234 | $56,354 | $71,000 | Compare |
| Marcus | 1,236 | $75,288 | $174,100 | Compare |
| Melcher-Dallas | 1,228 | $72,824 | $94,600 | Compare |
| Treynor | 1,228 | $132,679 | $250,000 | Compare |
| Jewell Junction | 1,225 | $75,313 | $128,300 | Compare |
| Clarence | 1,223 | $56,875 | $137,800 | Compare |
| Fayette | 1,242 | $39,297 | $123,300 | Compare |
| Clarksville | 1,248 | $55,781 | $114,200 | 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 University Heights With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about University Heights
What is the population of University Heights, IA?
The population of University Heights, IA is 1,232 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 University Heights?
The median household income in University Heights, IA is $105,172 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in University Heights?
The median home value in University Heights, IA is $393,200, which is 61% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in University Heights?
The median monthly rent in University Heights, IA is $1,417, which is 22% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in University Heights?
The unemployment rate in University Heights, IA is 0.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is University Heights, IA a good place to live?
University Heights offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,232 and a median age of 27.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is University Heights, IA?
89.2% of residents in University Heights aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in University Heights?
Key cost-of-living indicators for University Heights, IA: median home value is $393,200 (61% above national), median rent is $1,417/month, and median household income is $105,172. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in University Heights?
The poverty rate in University Heights, IA is 16.9%, 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 University Heights, IA?
University Heights's population is 3.7% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 5.9% of residents are foreign-born.