Cherokee city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Cherokee city, Iowa has a total population of 5,157, the 82nd largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $48,693, which is 33% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 26.7%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 33% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (26.7%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.5x.
Cherokee city Quick Facts
How Cherokee city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 30 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Cherokee city Rankings in Iowa
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Cities Similar to Cherokee city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarinda city | 5,366 | $50,644 | $112,200 | 13.7% | 11.6% |
| Iowa Falls city | 5,062 | $53,051 | $106,300 | 22.3% | 7.6% |
| Shenandoah city | 4,913 | $52,469 | $110,000 | 18.2% | 22.1% |
| Algona city | 5,414 | $52,542 | $156,200 | 23.7% | 7.6% |
| Manchester city | 5,144 | $58,578 | $130,500 | 22.2% | 12.5% |
Population Overview
Cherokee city is a small city located in Iowa. The total population is 5,157. It ranks as the 82nd most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Cherokee city is 44.4 years. This is 15% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 11.7% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Cherokee city is $48,693. This is 33% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 38% lower. The poverty rate stands at 26.7%. This is 143% 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 2.9%. This is 20% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $119,400. Housing costs are 39% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.5x, Cherokee city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 63.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% lower than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
Cherokee city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 89.7% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.9%. The Black or African American population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 3.8%. The Asian population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 2.4%.
Education
18.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 41% 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 92.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Cherokee 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 Cherokee city, Iowa?
Cherokee city, Iowa has a population of 5,157 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Cherokee city, IA?
The median household income in Cherokee city is $48,693, which is 38% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Cherokee city, IA?
The poverty rate in Cherokee city is 26.7%. This means approximately 1,315 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Cherokee city, Iowa?
Cherokee city's population is 89.7% White, 0.4% Black, 4.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Cherokee city, IA?
The median home value in Cherokee city is $119,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x.
How educated is Cherokee city, Iowa?
18.3% of adults (25+) in Cherokee city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.