Chelsea city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Chelsea city, Iowa has a total population of 342, the 572nd largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $32,188, which is 56% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 35.7%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 56% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (35.7%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Only 5.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.0%.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.3x.
Chelsea city Quick Facts
How Chelsea city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 30 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Chelsea city Rankings in Iowa
Explore Iowa Rankings
Cities Similar to Chelsea city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deloit city | 309 | $37,917 | $68,800 | 12.2% | 14.9% |
| Cantril city | 307 | $37,500 | $76,200 | 17.3% | 8.3% |
| Terril city | 357 | $42,917 | $95,400 | 14.0% | 13.2% |
| Lohrville city | 347 | $47,500 | $46,700 | 14.4% | 11.6% |
| Bonaparte city | 382 | $40,000 | $68,500 | 8.9% | 11.3% |
Population Overview
Chelsea city is a small community located in Iowa. The total population is 342. It ranks as the 572nd most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Chelsea city is 35.5 years. This is 8% lower than the state median of 38.6 years. With 32.8% of the population under 18, Chelsea city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Chelsea city is $32,188. This is 56% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 59% lower. The poverty rate stands at 35.7%. This is 225% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 3.4%. This is 6% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $43,100. Housing costs are 78% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.3x, Chelsea city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 94.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 32% higher than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Chelsea city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 62.0% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 29.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (29.8% vs 7.0%).
Education
5.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 81% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 69.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Chelsea city, Iowa is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Iowa state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,018 Census-designated places in Iowa. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Chelsea city, Iowa?
Chelsea city, Iowa has a population of 342 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Chelsea city, IA?
The median household income in Chelsea city is $32,188, which is 59% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Chelsea city, IA?
The poverty rate in Chelsea city is 35.7%. This means approximately 122 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Chelsea city, Iowa?
Chelsea city's population is 62.0% White, 0.0% Black, 29.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Chelsea city, IA?
The median home value in Chelsea city is $43,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x.
How educated is Chelsea city, Iowa?
5.8% of adults (25+) in Chelsea city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.