Woodward, IA
Population 1,002 · Iowa
About Woodward, IA
Woodward is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,002 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,571 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Woodward features a median home value of $179,500, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Woodward in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $484, 58% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 377 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (281 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (63 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Woodward shows an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Woodward have an average one-way commute time of 18.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.2% of Woodward 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, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Woodward Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Woodward, IA
Compared to national averages, Woodward has a median household income of $68,571 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $179,500, which is 27% below the national median. Monthly rent at $484 is 58% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Woodward's income is 1% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 36% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Woodward, IA?
Woodward offers affordable housing with a median home value of $179,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $484/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,571) that falls below the national average. However, Woodward’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Woodward has a population of 1,002 with a median age of 39.4 years. Compare Woodward with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Woodward
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Center | 1,000 | $49,474 | $93,800 | Compare |
| Villisca | 1,004 | $58,469 | $74,100 | Compare |
| Gladbrook | 998 | $63,125 | $117,200 | Compare |
| Mapleton | 997 | $52,955 | $116,400 | Compare |
| Aplington | 1,012 | $70,093 | $131,800 | Compare |
| Janesville | 1,012 | $84,231 | $214,700 | Compare |
| Newhall | 1,012 | $68,295 | $171,500 | Compare |
| Afton | 991 | $57,232 | $99,700 | 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 Woodward With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Woodward
What is the population of Woodward, IA?
The population of Woodward, IA is 1,002 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 Woodward?
The median household income in Woodward, IA is $68,571 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Woodward?
The median home value in Woodward, IA is $179,500, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Woodward?
The median monthly rent in Woodward, IA is $484, which is 58% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Woodward?
The unemployment rate in Woodward, IA is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Woodward, IA a good place to live?
Woodward offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,002 and a median age of 39.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Woodward, IA?
21.2% of residents in Woodward 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 Woodward?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Woodward, IA: median home value is $179,500 (27% below national), median rent is $484/month, and median household income is $68,571. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Woodward?
The poverty rate in Woodward, IA is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Woodward, IA?
Woodward's population is 0.0% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.