Wayland, IA
Population 1,140 · Iowa
About Wayland, IA
Wayland is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,140 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,000 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.4 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 Wayland features a median home value of $122,200, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wayland one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $693, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 438 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (308 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (96 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wayland shows an unemployment rate of 0.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wayland have an average one-way commute time of 24.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.1% of Wayland 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 0.5% White, 8.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wayland Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Wayland, IA
Compared to national averages, Wayland has a median household income of $67,000 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $122,200, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $693 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Wayland's income is 1% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 8% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Wayland, IA?
Wayland offers affordable housing with a median home value of $122,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $693/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.7%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,000) that falls below the national average. However, Wayland’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wayland has a population of 1,140 with a median age of 45.4 years. Compare Wayland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Wayland
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Sharon | 1,147 | $60,000 | $125,000 | Compare |
| Glidden | 1,153 | $73,393 | $159,700 | Compare |
| St. Ansgar | 1,156 | $75,208 | $143,800 | Compare |
| Lansing | 1,111 | $49,537 | $145,800 | Compare |
| Conrad | 1,170 | $73,844 | $156,100 | Compare |
| Fruitland | 1,107 | $101,375 | $219,000 | Compare |
| Palo | 1,173 | $103,646 | $274,200 | Compare |
| Neola | 1,098 | $68,859 | $166,400 | 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 Wayland With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wayland
What is the population of Wayland, IA?
The population of Wayland, IA is 1,140 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 Wayland?
The median household income in Wayland, IA is $67,000 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wayland?
The median home value in Wayland, IA is $122,200, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wayland?
The median monthly rent in Wayland, IA is $693, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wayland?
The unemployment rate in Wayland, IA is 0.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wayland, IA a good place to live?
Wayland offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,140 and a median age of 45.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Wayland, IA?
24.1% of residents in Wayland 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 Wayland?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wayland, IA: median home value is $122,200 (50% below national), median rent is $693/month, and median household income is $67,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wayland?
The poverty rate in Wayland, IA is 6.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wayland, IA?
Wayland's population is 0.5% White, 8.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.