Cost of Living in Glenwood, IA
Population 5,118 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Glenwood offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $194,000 — costs less than 2.8 times median household income of $69,320, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Glenwood sits roughly 20 miles southeast of Omaha — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 16% lower than Omaha's $230,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Glenwood
The median home value in Glenwood is $193,800 — 36% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $842/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,320/year is 7% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. Overall, Glenwood has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% less expensive.
Glenwood has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Glenwood, IA?
Glenwood has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.
What is average rent in Glenwood, IA?
The median gross rent in Glenwood is $842 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Glenwood?
The median home value in Glenwood is $193,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Glenwood?
The median household income in Glenwood is $69,320 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Glenwood, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Glenwood is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Glenwood, IA affordable?
Yes, Glenwood is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.
Glenwood at a Glance
- Population
- 5,118
- Median Income
- $69,320
- Home Value
- $193,800
- Median Rent
- $842/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.6%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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