Northwood Profile

Northwood

Northwood is a city in Worth County, Iowa, United States, along the Shell Rock River. The population was 1,989 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Worth County. Northwood is part of the Mason City Micropolitan Statistical Area. Local events can be found on the chamber website here.

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Population Demographics

As of 2024 the population of Northwood is 1,971. The population is expected to shrink to 1,908 by 2029 - a growth rate of -0.65%.

The median age of Northwood residents is 43.

The diversity index of Northwood is 17.4, meaning that there is a 17% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.

Housing and Income

The average household income in Northwood is $89,621 and projected to be $99,851 in 2029. Per capita income is $40,634, projected to be $45,874 in 2029. 2.38% of households – 47 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $964,674 and the average disposable income is $70,063.

There are 977 housing units in Northwood; 684 are owner-occupied, 209 are rented, and 84 are vacant. The average home value is $196,272, with 15 homes built in 2010 or later, and 385 built in 1939 or earlier.

Business and Workforce

There are 150 businesses in Northwood, employing 1,252 workers and pulling from a labor force of 1,061 age 16 and above. 242 workers commute into Northwood from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:

578 residents both live and work in/around Northwood. The average travel time is 0.0 minutes. 28.72% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 2.77% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 871 drive alone, 107 carpool, and 6 take public transportation. 35 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 42 residents work from home.

585 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 174 have associates degrees, 203 have bachelor’s degrees, and 95 hold a graduate or professional degree.