Panama city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Panama city, Iowa has a total population of 283, the 620th largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $61,250, which is 16% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.3%.
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.3% — among the lowest in Iowa.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.0x.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%.
Panama city Quick Facts
How Panama 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+)
Panama city Rankings in Iowa
Explore Iowa Rankings
Cities Similar to Panama city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ladora city | 270 | $61,250 | $81,900 | 9.7% | 13.0% |
| Danbury city | 291 | $64,028 | $75,700 | 15.2% | 11.3% |
| Fertile city | 272 | $64,432 | $150,000 | 16.2% | 4.8% |
| Garrison city | 292 | $57,083 | $65,000 | 6.7% | 17.5% |
| Thor city | 276 | $56,250 | N/A | 6.0% | 44.6% |
Population Overview
Panama city is a small community located in Iowa. The total population is 283. It ranks as the 620th most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Panama city is 36.8 years. This is 5% lower than the state median of 38.6 years. With 30.0% of the population under 18, Panama city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Panama city is $61,250. This is 16% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 22% lower. The poverty rate stands at 4.3%. This is 61% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 0.0%. This is 100% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $121,600. Housing costs are 38% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.0x, Panama city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 76.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 7% higher than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
Panama city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 89.0% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 7.8%.
Education
12.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 59% 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 97.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Panama 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 Panama city, Iowa?
Panama city, Iowa has a population of 283 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Panama city, IA?
The median household income in Panama city is $61,250, which is 22% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Panama city, IA?
The poverty rate in Panama city is 4.3%. This means approximately 12 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Panama city, Iowa?
Panama city's population is 89.0% White, 0.0% Black, 7.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Panama city, IA?
The median home value in Panama city is $121,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x.
How educated is Panama city, Iowa?
12.6% of adults (25+) in Panama city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.