Winterset, IA
Population 5,384 · Iowa
About Winterset, IA
Winterset is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 5,384 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,268 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Winterset features a median home value of $181,500, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Winterset in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $943, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,373 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (1,524 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (770 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Winterset shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Winterset have an average one-way commute time of 19.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.2% of Winterset 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 0.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Winterset, IA
Compared to national averages, Winterset has a median household income of $69,268 (8% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $181,500, which is 26% below the national median. Monthly rent at $943 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Winterset's income is 2% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 37% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Winterset, IA?
Winterset offers affordable housing with a median home value of $181,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $943/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,268) that falls below the national average. However, Winterset’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Winterset has a population of 5,384 with a median age of 37 years. Compare Winterset with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Winterset
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheldon | 5,386 | $68,448 | $173,600 | Compare |
| Centerville | 5,377 | $41,472 | $99,000 | Compare |
| Clarinda | 5,366 | $50,644 | $112,200 | Compare |
| Algona | 5,414 | $52,542 | $156,200 | Compare |
| Spirit Lake | 5,469 | $73,627 | $218,400 | Compare |
| Osceola | 5,495 | $62,363 | $145,300 | Compare |
| Tiffin | 5,271 | $106,034 | $315,800 | Compare |
| DeWitt | 5,535 | $84,474 | $223,100 | 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 Winterset With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Winterset
What is the population of Winterset, IA?
The population of Winterset, IA is 5,384 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 Winterset?
The median household income in Winterset, IA is $69,268 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Winterset?
The median home value in Winterset, IA is $181,500, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Winterset?
The median monthly rent in Winterset, IA is $943, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Winterset?
The unemployment rate in Winterset, IA is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Winterset, IA a good place to live?
Winterset offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,384 and a median age of 37, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Winterset, IA?
21.2% of residents in Winterset 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 Winterset?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Winterset, IA: median home value is $181,500 (26% below national), median rent is $943/month, and median household income is $69,268. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Winterset?
The poverty rate in Winterset, IA is 11.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Winterset, IA?
Winterset's population is 0.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.