Living in Ely, Iowa
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Ely · Census data 2020–2024
Ely has 2,186 residents with a median age of 38.1. The median household income is $105,882 (41% higher than the Iowa median), the median home value is $311,900, the median rent is $936/month.
Ely at a glance
- Population
- 2,186
- Median age
- 38.1State: 38.6
- Median household income
- $105,882State: $75,059
- Median home value
- $311,900State: $208,000
- Median rent
- $936/moState: $972
- Homeowners
- 81.8%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 37.9%
- Average commute
- 21 min
Is Ely a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 41% higher than the Iowa median; unemployment of 1.5%; a poverty rate of 2.4%.
Cons: Home values 50% higher than the state median; an average commute of 21 minutes.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Ely
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Ely the median home value is $311,900, 6% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $936 per month, which is 26.4% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,813 a month in housing costs.
Ely median household income
The median household income in Ely is $105,882 and the income per person is $44,120. 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line (Iowa: 11.1%).
Housing in Ely: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 839
- Owner-occupied
- 81.8%
- Renter-occupied
- 18.2%
- Vacant
- 1.5%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 2000
- Average household size
- 2.65
Ely demographics
- Population
- 2,186
- Median age
- 38.1
- Under 18
- 29.8%
- 65 and older
- 12.9%
- Households
- 826
- Foreign-born
- 1.6%
- Veterans
- 4.8%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Ely ›
Education in Ely
37.9% of adults 25 and older in Ely have a bachelor's degree or higher (Iowa: 31.4%), and 8.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Ely
- Unemployment rate
- 1.5%State: 3.6%
- Average commute
- 21 minState: 20 min
- Work from home
- 7.1%
- Drive alone
- 87.8%
- Public transit
- 0.6%
- Walk to work
- 0.8%
- Homes with broadband
- 94.7%
Ely vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ely | 2,186 | $105,882 | $311,900 | $936 |
| Shueyville | 740 | $123,333 | $574,800 | — |
| Bertram | 239 | $86,786 | $296,700 | — |
| Swisher | 1,182 | $100,577 | $260,300 | $1,114 |
| Solon | 3,152 | $113,295 | $309,400 | $1,127 |
| Cedar Rapids | 137,264 | $70,424 | $187,100 | $967 |
| Mount Vernon | 4,513 | $112,656 | $245,200 | $780 |
| North Liberty | 21,125 | $102,102 | $303,800 | $1,246 |
| Fairfax | 2,900 | $114,375 | $274,500 | $1,366 |
More for people moving to Ely
Ely ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Ely: FAQ
What is the median household income in Ely, IA?
The median household income in Ely is $105,882, 41% higher than the Iowa median of $75,059 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Ely?
The median home value in Ely is $311,900, compared with $208,000 in Iowa.
How much is rent in Ely?
The median gross rent in Ely is $936 per month, about 26.4% of household income.
Is Ely, IA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 41% higher than the Iowa median; unemployment of 1.5%; a poverty rate of 2.4%. Minuses: home values 50% higher than the state median; an average commute of 21 minutes.
What is the median age in Ely?
The median age in Ely is 38.1 years (Iowa: 38.6).
How long is the commute in Ely?
The average commute to work in Ely is 21 minutes; 7.1% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Ely?
The unemployment rate in Ely is 1.5% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Ely?
37.9% of adults in Ely have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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