Living in Northwood, Iowa
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Northwood · Census data 2020–2024
Northwood has 2,040 residents with a median age of 47.9. The median household income is $63,450 (15% lower than the Iowa median), the median home value is $130,300, the median rent is $706/month.
Northwood at a glance
- Population
- 2,040
- Median age
- 47.9State: 38.6
- Median household income
- $63,450State: $75,059
- Median home value
- $130,300State: $208,000
- Median rent
- $706/moState: $972
- Homeowners
- 82.5%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 15.9%
- Average commute
- 18 min
Is Northwood a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 37% lower than the state median; an average commute of 18 minutes; a poverty rate of 8.8%.
Cons: Median household income 15% lower than the Iowa median; unemployment of 7.9%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Northwood
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Northwood the median home value is $130,300, 61% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $706 per month, which is 22.7% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,176 a month in housing costs.
Northwood median household income
The median household income in Northwood is $63,450 and the income per person is $36,898. 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line (Iowa: 11.1%).
Housing in Northwood: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 936
- Owner-occupied
- 82.5%
- Renter-occupied
- 17.5%
- Vacant
- 2.9%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1951
- Average household size
- 2.20
Northwood demographics
- Population
- 2,040
- Median age
- 47.9
- Under 18
- 18.9%
- 65 and older
- 24.6%
- Households
- 909
- Foreign-born
- 2.8%
- Veterans
- 11.9%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Northwood ›
Education in Northwood
15.9% of adults 25 and older in Northwood have a bachelor's degree or higher (Iowa: 31.4%), and 3% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Northwood
- Unemployment rate
- 7.9%State: 3.6%
- Average commute
- 18 minState: 20 min
- Work from home
- 5.8%
- Drive alone
- 74.8%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 0.5%
- Homes with broadband
- 84.3%
Northwood vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwood | 2,040 | $63,450 | $130,300 | $706 |
| Kensett | 270 | $44,643 | $67,100 | $650 |
| Glenville | 572 | $56,563 | $123,300 | $903 |
| Grafton | 271 | $48,750 | $93,300 | $638 |
| Manly | 1,320 | $72,813 | $120,300 | $756 |
| Twin Lakes | 158 | $55,089 | — | $558 |
| Joice | 207 | $66,250 | $96,900 | $800 |
| Hanlontown | 249 | $72,813 | $106,800 | $794 |
| Emmons | 363 | $57,969 | $106,700 | $792 |
More for people moving to Northwood
Northwood ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Northwood: FAQ
What is the median household income in Northwood, IA?
The median household income in Northwood is $63,450, 15% lower 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 Northwood?
The median home value in Northwood is $130,300, compared with $208,000 in Iowa.
How much is rent in Northwood?
The median gross rent in Northwood is $706 per month, about 22.7% of household income.
Is Northwood, IA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 37% lower than the state median; an average commute of 18 minutes; a poverty rate of 8.8%. Minuses: median household income 15% lower than the Iowa median; unemployment of 7.9%.
What is the median age in Northwood?
The median age in Northwood is 47.9 years (Iowa: 38.6).
How long is the commute in Northwood?
The average commute to work in Northwood is 18 minutes; 5.8% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Northwood?
The unemployment rate in Northwood is 7.9% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Northwood?
15.9% of adults in Northwood 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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