Van Meter, IA
Population 1,469 · Iowa
About Van Meter, IA
Van Meter is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,469 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $133,750 per year, which is 78% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.8 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 Van Meter features a median home value of $250,300, which is 2% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Van Meter in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $947, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 469 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (423 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (37 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Van Meter shows an unemployment rate of 1.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Van Meter have an average one-way commute time of 21.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
42.4% of Van Meter 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 0.1% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Van Meter Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Van Meter, IA
Compared to national averages, Van Meter has a median household income of $133,750 (78% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $250,300, which is 2% above the national median. Monthly rent at $947 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Van Meter's income is 97% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 89% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Van Meter, IA?
Van Meter offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $133,750, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $947/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.3%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 42.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.2 minutes.
Van Meter has a population of 1,469 with a median age of 35.8 years. Compare Van Meter with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Van Meter
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lenox | 1,474 | $59,750 | $106,000 | Compare |
| Manning | 1,474 | $62,310 | $109,400 | Compare |
| Traer | 1,464 | $79,653 | $131,900 | Compare |
| Roland | 1,458 | $84,779 | $173,100 | Compare |
| Slater | 1,498 | $87,708 | $222,000 | Compare |
| Oakland | 1,500 | $72,500 | $144,600 | Compare |
| Fairbank | 1,509 | $100,172 | $173,200 | Compare |
| Sanborn | 1,510 | $56,477 | $150,900 | 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 Van Meter With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Van Meter
What is the population of Van Meter, IA?
The population of Van Meter, IA is 1,469 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 Van Meter?
The median household income in Van Meter, IA is $133,750 per year, which is 78% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Van Meter?
The median home value in Van Meter, IA is $250,300, which is 2% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Van Meter?
The median monthly rent in Van Meter, IA is $947, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Van Meter?
The unemployment rate in Van Meter, IA is 1.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Van Meter, IA a good place to live?
Van Meter offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,469 and a median age of 35.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Van Meter, IA?
42.4% of residents in Van Meter 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 Van Meter?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Van Meter, IA: median home value is $250,300 (2% above national), median rent is $947/month, and median household income is $133,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Van Meter?
The poverty rate in Van Meter, IA is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Van Meter, IA?
Van Meter's population is 0.1% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.