Waukon, IA
Population 3,796 · Iowa
About Waukon, IA
Waukon is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 3,796 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,250 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.5 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 Waukon features a median home value of $133,700, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Waukon one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $719, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,895 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (1,301 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (432 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waukon shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waukon have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.0% of Waukon 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 4.2% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Waukon, IA
Compared to national averages, Waukon has a median household income of $56,250 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $133,700, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $719 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Waukon's income is 17% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 1% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Waukon, IA?
Waukon offers affordable housing with a median home value of $133,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $719/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.8%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,250) that falls below the national average. However, Waukon’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waukon has a population of 3,796 with a median age of 42.5 years. Compare Waukon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Waukon
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Liberty | 3,795 | $66,132 | $169,500 | Compare |
| Carter Lake | 3,773 | $75,037 | $161,200 | Compare |
| Cresco | 3,901 | $60,769 | $105,200 | Compare |
| Albia | 3,688 | $67,791 | $132,500 | Compare |
| Emmetsburg | 3,651 | $57,353 | $114,600 | Compare |
| Eagle Grove | 3,588 | $58,458 | $95,100 | Compare |
| Osage | 3,578 | $62,309 | $141,800 | Compare |
| Saylorville | 3,559 | $80,250 | $287,700 | 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 Waukon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waukon
What is the population of Waukon, IA?
The population of Waukon, IA is 3,796 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 Waukon?
The median household income in Waukon, IA is $56,250 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waukon?
The median home value in Waukon, IA is $133,700, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waukon?
The median monthly rent in Waukon, IA is $719, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waukon?
The unemployment rate in Waukon, IA is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Waukon, IA a good place to live?
Waukon offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,796 and a median age of 42.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Waukon, IA?
21.0% of residents in Waukon 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 Waukon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waukon, IA: median home value is $133,700 (45% below national), median rent is $719/month, and median household income is $56,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Waukon?
The poverty rate in Waukon, IA is 11.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waukon, IA?
Waukon's population is 4.2% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.