Emerson, IA
Full City Profile · Iowa · Mills County County
3.2
/5.0
B
Good
547
Population
2,104/sq mi density
$47,426
Median Income
$30,238 per capita
$113,600
Home Value
$194,895 Zillow
$913
Median Rent
25.8% income on rent
51°F
Avg Temperature
B
Overall
3.2 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.9 / 5.0
$47,426 median income, 6.9% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$113,600 home value, $913/mo rent
D
Education
1.8 / 5.0
10.5% bachelor's degree or higher
Housing Overview
Median Home Value
$113,600
60% below
US avg: $281,900
Median Rent
$913/mo
21% below
US avg: $1,163/mo
Homeownership Rate
80.3%
23% above US avg (65.4%)
Total Housing Units
253
Median year built: 1938
Home Value by Source
Census Median
$113,600
Zillow (ZHVI)
$194,895
Census ACS, Zillow ZHVI, Redfin median sale price
Ownership vs. Renting
80.3%
Owner-Occupied
19.7%
Renter-Occupied
US avg: 65.4% owner-occupied
Fair Market Rents (HUD FY2026)
Studio
$738/mo
1 Bedroom
$788/mo
2 Bedroom
$989/mo
3 Bedroom
$1,282/mo
4 Bedroom
$1,420/mo
Census median rent:
$913/mo
Affordability & Housing Stock
Rent Burden
25.8%
of renters spending 30%+ of income on housing
17% below US avg (31.0%)
Median Year Built
1938
Average age of housing stock: 88 years
Homeownership Rate
80.3%
Complete Housing Data
Home Values
| Census Median Value | $113,600 |
| Zillow Home Value (ZHVI) | $194,895 |
Rent
| Census Median Rent | $913 |
| FMR Studio | $738 |
| FMR 1-Bedroom | $788 |
| FMR 2-Bedroom | $989 |
| FMR 3-Bedroom | $1,282 |
| FMR 4-Bedroom | $1,420 |
Market
Ownership & Stock
| Owner-Occupied | 80.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.7% |
| Homeownership Rate | 80.3% |
| Total Housing Units | 253 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
| Rent Burden | 25.8% |