Washta, IA
Population 171 · Iowa
About Washta, IA
Washta is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 171 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,313 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 56.9 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 Washta features a median home value of $50,500, which is 79% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Washta one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $575, 51% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 128 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (70 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (19 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Washta shows an unemployment rate of 18.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 6.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Washta have an average one-way commute time of 17.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.9% of Washta 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 4.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Washta Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Washta, IA
Compared to national averages, Washta has a median household income of $50,313 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $50,500, which is 79% below the national median. Monthly rent at $575 is 51% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Washta's income is 26% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 62% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Washta, IA?
Washta offers affordable housing with a median home value of $50,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $575/month, and a low poverty rate of 6.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,313) that falls below the national average. However, Washta’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Washta has a population of 171 with a median age of 56.9 years. Compare Washta with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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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 Washta
What is the population of Washta, IA?
The population of Washta, IA is 171 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 Washta?
The median household income in Washta, IA is $50,313 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Washta?
The median home value in Washta, IA is $50,500, which is 79% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Washta?
The median monthly rent in Washta, IA is $575, which is 51% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Washta?
The unemployment rate in Washta, IA is 18.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Washta, IA a good place to live?
Washta offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 171 and a median age of 56.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Washta, IA?
11.9% of residents in Washta 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 Washta?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Washta, IA: median home value is $50,500 (79% below national), median rent is $575/month, and median household income is $50,313. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Washta?
The poverty rate in Washta, IA is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Washta, IA?
Washta's population is 4.7% White, 1.2% 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.