Wayland city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Wayland city, Iowa has a total population of 1,140, the 263rd largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $67,000, which is 8% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 6.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.8x.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 0.7%.
Wayland city Quick Facts
How Wayland 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+)
Wayland city Rankings in Iowa
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Cities Similar to Wayland city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neola city | 1,098 | $68,859 | $166,400 | 14.4% | 6.3% |
| Glidden city | 1,153 | $73,393 | $159,700 | 25.5% | 11.6% |
| New Sharon city | 1,147 | $60,000 | $125,000 | 21.9% | 11.2% |
| Winthrop city | 1,081 | $64,904 | $149,200 | 21.0% | 3.2% |
| St. Ansgar city | 1,156 | $75,208 | $143,800 | 28.0% | 7.9% |
Population Overview
Wayland city is a small community located in Iowa. The total population is 1,140. It ranks as the 263rd most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Wayland city is 45.4 years. This is 18% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 11.0% 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 Wayland city is $67,000. This is 8% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 15% lower. The poverty rate stands at 6.6%. This is 40% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. The unemployment rate is 0.7%. This is 81% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $122,200. Housing costs are 38% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.8x, Wayland city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 76.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 7% higher than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
Wayland city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 88.6% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 0.5%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 7.0%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 2.4%.
Education
24.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 22% 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 96.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Wayland 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 Wayland city, Iowa?
Wayland city, Iowa has a population of 1,140 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Wayland city, IA?
The median household income in Wayland city is $67,000, which is 15% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Wayland city, IA?
The poverty rate in Wayland city is 6.6%. This means approximately 72 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Wayland city, Iowa?
Wayland city's population is 88.6% White, 0.0% Black, 0.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Wayland city, IA?
The median home value in Wayland city is $122,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x.
How educated is Wayland city, Iowa?
24.1% of adults (25+) in Wayland city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.