Wellman, IA
Population 1,539 · Iowa
About Wellman, IA
Wellman is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,539 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,696 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wellman features a median home value of $149,000, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Wellman in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $765, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 682 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (453 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (186 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wellman shows an unemployment rate of 1.4%, 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 Wellman have an average one-way commute time of 24.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.5% of Wellman 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 1.6% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wellman, IA
Compared to national averages, Wellman has a median household income of $56,696 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $149,000, which is 39% below the national median. Monthly rent at $765 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Wellman's income is 17% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 13% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Wellman, IA?
Wellman offers affordable housing with a median home value of $149,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $765/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%. 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 ($56,696) that falls below the national average. However, Wellman’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wellman has a population of 1,539 with a median age of 40.5 years. Compare Wellman with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Wellman
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocahontas | 1,536 | $56,298 | $96,600 | Compare |
| State Center | 1,548 | $72,303 | $156,300 | Compare |
| Holstein | 1,552 | $61,625 | $113,200 | Compare |
| Ackley | 1,554 | $61,667 | $99,200 | Compare |
| Panora | 1,520 | $65,500 | $164,500 | Compare |
| Brooklyn | 1,565 | $71,500 | $123,600 | Compare |
| Corydon | 1,566 | $48,988 | $88,800 | 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 Wellman With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wellman
What is the population of Wellman, IA?
The population of Wellman, IA is 1,539 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 Wellman?
The median household income in Wellman, IA is $56,696 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wellman?
The median home value in Wellman, IA is $149,000, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wellman?
The median monthly rent in Wellman, IA is $765, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wellman?
The unemployment rate in Wellman, IA is 1.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wellman, IA a good place to live?
Wellman offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,539 and a median age of 40.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wellman, IA?
21.5% of residents in Wellman 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 Wellman?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wellman, IA: median home value is $149,000 (39% below national), median rent is $765/month, and median household income is $56,696. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wellman?
The poverty rate in Wellman, 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 Wellman, IA?
Wellman's population is 1.6% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.