Villisca, IA
Population 1,004 · Iowa
About Villisca, IA
Villisca is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,004 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,469 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.2 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 Villisca features a median home value of $74,100, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Villisca one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $732, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 542 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (371 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (130 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Villisca shows an unemployment rate of 0.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Villisca have an average one-way commute time of 22.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.5% of Villisca 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 1.2% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Villisca Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Villisca, IA
Compared to national averages, Villisca has a median household income of $58,469 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $74,100, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $732 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Villisca's income is 14% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 44% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Villisca, IA?
Villisca offers affordable housing with a median home value of $74,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $732/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,469) that falls below the national average. However, Villisca’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Villisca has a population of 1,004 with a median age of 47.2 years. Compare Villisca with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Villisca
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodward | 1,002 | $68,571 | $179,500 | Compare |
| Buffalo Center | 1,000 | $49,474 | $93,800 | Compare |
| Gladbrook | 998 | $63,125 | $117,200 | Compare |
| Mapleton | 997 | $52,955 | $116,400 | Compare |
| Aplington | 1,012 | $70,093 | $131,800 | Compare |
| Janesville | 1,012 | $84,231 | $214,700 | Compare |
| Newhall | 1,012 | $68,295 | $171,500 | Compare |
| Keosauqua | 1,014 | $52,083 | $108,000 | 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 Villisca With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Villisca
What is the population of Villisca, IA?
The population of Villisca, IA is 1,004 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 Villisca?
The median household income in Villisca, IA is $58,469 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Villisca?
The median home value in Villisca, IA is $74,100, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Villisca?
The median monthly rent in Villisca, IA is $732, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Villisca?
The unemployment rate in Villisca, IA is 0.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Villisca, IA a good place to live?
Villisca offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,004 and a median age of 47.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Villisca, IA?
14.5% of residents in Villisca 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 Villisca?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Villisca, IA: median home value is $74,100 (70% below national), median rent is $732/month, and median household income is $58,469. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Villisca?
The poverty rate in Villisca, IA is 12.8%, 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 Villisca, IA?
Villisca's population is 1.2% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.