What Cheer, IA
Population 634 · Iowa
About What Cheer, IA
What Cheer is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 634 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,688 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in What Cheer features a median home value of $47,900, which is 80% below the national median of $244,900. This makes What Cheer one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $816, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 347 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (185 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (76 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in What Cheer shows an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in What Cheer have an average one-way commute time of 27.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.1% of What Cheer 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 2.2% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How What Cheer Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in What Cheer, IA
Compared to national averages, What Cheer has a median household income of $49,688 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $47,900, which is 80% below the national median. Monthly rent at $816 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, What Cheer's income is 27% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 64% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in What Cheer, IA?
What Cheer offers affordable housing with a median home value of $47,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $816/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,688) that falls below the national average. However, What Cheer’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
What Cheer has a population of 634 with a median age of 36.7 years. Compare What Cheer with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
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 What Cheer
What is the population of What Cheer, IA?
The population of What Cheer, IA is 634 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 What Cheer?
The median household income in What Cheer, IA is $49,688 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in What Cheer?
The median home value in What Cheer, IA is $47,900, which is 80% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in What Cheer?
The median monthly rent in What Cheer, IA is $816, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in What Cheer?
The unemployment rate in What Cheer, IA is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is What Cheer, IA a good place to live?
What Cheer offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 634 and a median age of 36.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is What Cheer, IA?
8.1% of residents in What Cheer 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 What Cheer?
Key cost-of-living indicators for What Cheer, IA: median home value is $47,900 (80% below national), median rent is $816/month, and median household income is $49,688. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in What Cheer?
The poverty rate in What Cheer, IA is 20.7%, 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 What Cheer, IA?
What Cheer's population is 2.2% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.