Milford
Milford, Iowa, is the Southern Gateway to the Iowa Great Lakes
Welcome to Milford, Iowa, where the beauty of the Iowa Great Lakes meets small-town charm. As the Southern Gateway to the Iowa Great Lakes, Milford offers a welcoming community with a range of amenities and activities to enjoy.
Community Life
Milford is home to the mythical University of Okoboji and is proud of its title as The Gateway to the Iowa Great Lakes. The city boasts numerous city parks, including Buchanan, Calkins, Florence, and Memorial, providing ample green spaces for recreation and relaxation. Milford is also known for its high-standard school system and is the proud home of the Okoboji Pioneers.
Quality of Life
Living in Milford is a pleasure. With a population of just over 3,000 people, the town offers a close-knit community where neighbors become friends. Surrounded by the rolling hills of western Iowa, residents enjoy a range of outdoor activities year-round, from fishing and camping to hiking in nearby lakes and state parks. The town also hosts a variety of festivals and events, adding to its vibrant community spirit.
Business and Entrepreneurship
Milford has a thriving business community, with a diverse range of industrial, retail, and professional businesses. The town's economy is supported by manufacturing, farming, and locally owned companies, providing stability and growth opportunities. With over 300 businesses calling Milford home, the town offers extensive resources to support local entrepreneurs and businesses.
Reasons for Businesses to Relocate to Milford
Milford's local government is known for being friendly toward business growth and development. Affordable utility prices and robust infrastructure support make it an ideal location for businesses looking to relocate or expand. With growing local business opportunities, Milford is a place where businesses can thrive.
Join us in Milford, Iowa, and experience the best of small-town living in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes. For information concerning economic development incentives, programs, and more please get in touch with the Milford City Clerk at 712-338-2741.
Population
Population
| Population | 2000 | 2010 | 2025 | 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milford | 2,476 | 2,900 | 3,509 | 3,711 |
Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25
Population by Age
| Population | 2025 |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | 181 |
| 5-9 | 206 |
| 10-14 | 218 |
| 15-19 | 230 |
| 20-24 | 221 |
| 25-29 | 153 |
| 30-34 | 219 |
| 35-39 | 219 |
| 40-44 | 217 |
| 45-49 | 228 |
| 50-54 | 184 |
| 55-59 | 162 |
| 60-64 | 242 |
| 65-69 | 235 |
| 70-74 | 229 |
| 75-79 | 167 |
| 80-84 | 99 |
| 85+ | 99 |
| 18+ | 2,754 |
| Median Age | 43 |
Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25
Population by Race
| Milford | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Total | 3,509.00 |
| White Alone | 91.39% |
| Black Alone | 1.14% |
| American Indian Alone | 0.03% |
| Asian Alone | 0.71% |
| Pacific Islander Alone | 0.26% |
| Some Other Race | 1.71% |
| Two or More Races | 4.76% |
| Hispanic Origin | 4.27% |
| Diversity Index | 23.10 |
Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25
Growth Rate
| Milford | 2025 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Population | 1.13% |
| Households | 1.64% |
| Families | 1.62% |
| Median Household Income | 3% |
| Per Capita Income | 3% |
Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25
Housing
Households
| Population | 2000 | 2010 | 2025 | 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Households | 1,043 | 1,275 | 1,558 | 1,690 |
| Housing Units | 1,130 | 1,413 | 1,734 | 1,909 |
| Owner Occupied Units | 1,148 | 1,269 | ||
| Renter Occupied Units | 410 | 421 | ||
| Vacant Units | 176 | 219 |
Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25
Home Value
| Milford | 2025 | 2030 |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $247,984 | $355,714 |
| Average Home Value | $355,224 | $471,458 |
| <$50,000 | 49 | 32 |
| $50,000 - $99,999 | 83 | 38 |
| $100,000 - $149,999 | 94 | 58 |
| $150,000 - $199,999 | 110 | 95 |
| $200,000 - $249,999 | 248 | 216 |
| $250,000 - $299,999 | 126 | 137 |
| $300,000 - $399,999 | 88 | 105 |
| $400,000 - $499,999 | 97 | 132 |
| $500,000 - $749,999 | 177 | 329 |
| $1,000,000 + | 6 | 8 |
Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25
Housing Year Built
| Year Range | Houses Built |
|---|---|
| 2010 or Later | 250 |
| 2000-2009 | 168 |
| 1990-1999 | 240 |
| 1980-1989 | 286 |
| 1970-1979 | 232 |
| 1960-1969 | 103 |
| 1950-1959 | 143 |
| 1940-1949 | 19 |
| 1939 or Before | 207 |
Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25
Back To TopIncome
Income
| Milford | 2025 | 2030 |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household | $63,124 | $72,131 |
| Average Household | $91,275 | $104,985 |
| Per Capita | $40,567 | $47,848 |
Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25
Household Income
| Milford | 2025 |
|---|---|
| <$15,000 | 83 |
| $15,000 - $24,999 | 160 |
| $25,000 - $34,999 | 130 |
| $35,000 - $49,999 | 214 |
| $50,000 - $74,999 | 300 |
| $75,000 - $99,999 | 166 |
| $100,000 - $149,999 | 295 |
| $150,000 - $199,999 | 97 |
| $200,000+ | 113 |
Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25
Back To TopEmployees
Commute
| Category | Commuters |
|---|---|
| Workers 16+ | 1,841 |
| In-County Residents | 1,522 |
| Out-of-County Residents | 286 |
| Drive Alone | 1,406 |
| Carpooled | 219 |
| Public Transport | 0 |
| Work at Home | 69 |
| Motorcycle | 0 |
| Bicycle | 0 |
| Walked | 41 |
| Other | 106 |
| Less than 5 minutes | 208 |
| 5-9 minutes | 311 |
| 10-14 minutes | 246 |
| 15-19 minutes | 489 |
| 20-24 minutes | 280 |
| 25-29 minutes | 44 |
| 30-34 minutes | 31 |
| 35-39 minutes | 36 |
| 40-44 minutes | 36 |
| 45-59 minutes | 9 |
| 60-89 minutes | 33 |
| 90+ minutes | 49 |
| Average Travel Time | 0 |
Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25
Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25
Employees by NAICS
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Employees | 1,386 |
| Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt | 4 |
| Mining | 0 |
| Utilities | 9 |
| Construction | 73 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
| Wholesale Trade | 99 |
| Retail Trade | 230 |
| Motor Veh/Parts Dealers | 0 |
| Furn & Home Furnish Str | 0 |
| Electronics & Appl Store | 4 |
| Bldg Matl/Garden Equip | 15 |
| Food & Beverage Stores | 151 |
| Health/Pers Care Stores | 7 |
| Gasoline Stations | 10 |
| Clothing/Accessory Store | 17 |
| Sports/Hobby/Book/Music | 19 |
| General Merchandise Str | 7 |
| Transportation/Warehouse | 21 |
| Information | 37 |
| Finance & Insurance | 50 |
| Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn | 38 |
| Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv | 7 |
| Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other | 5 |
| Real Estate/Rent/Leasing | 16 |
| Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv | 78 |
| Legal Services | 3 |
| Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises | 25 |
| Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt | 72 |
| Educational Services | 145 |
| HealthCare/Social Assist | 230 |
| Arts/Entertainment/Rec | 2 |
| Accommodation/Food Srvcs | 172 |
| Accommodation | 18 |
| Food Srv/Drinking Places | 154 |
| Other Srv excl Pub Admin | 70 |
| Auto Repair/Maintenance | 2 |
| Public Administration Emp | 26 |
Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25
Educational Attainment (25+)
| Milford | 2025 |
|---|---|
| <9th Grade | 36 |
| Some High School | 58 |
| GED | 73 |
| Graduated High School | 600 |
| Some College/No Degree | 579 |
| Associates Degree | 473 |
| Bachelor's Degree | 524 |
| Graduate Degree | 110 |
Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25
Back To TopBusinesses
Businesses by NAICS
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Businesses | 166 |
| Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt Bus | 2 |
| Mining Bus | 0 |
| Utilities Bus | 1 |
| Construction Bus | 13 |
| Manufacturing Bus | 6 |
| Wholesale Trade Bus | 8 |
| Retail Trade Bus | 20 |
| Motor Veh/Parts Dealers Bus | 0 |
| Furn & Home Furnish Str Bus | 0 |
| Electronics & Appl Store Bus | 2 |
| Bldg Matl/Garden Equip Bus | 3 |
| Food & Beverage Stores Bus | 3 |
| Health/Pers Care Stores Bus | 1 |
| Gasoline Stations Bus | 2 |
| Clothing/Accessory Store Bus | 1 |
| Sports/Hobby/Book/Music Bus | 7 |
| General Merchandise Str Bus | 1 |
| Transportation/Warehouse Bus | 5 |
| Information Bus | 6 |
| Finance & Insurance Bus | 7 |
| Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn Bus | 3 |
| Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv Bus | 3 |
| Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other Bus | 1 |
| Real Estate/Rent/Leasing Bus | 6 |
| Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv Bus | 11 |
| Legal Services Bus | 1 |
| Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises Bus | 1 |
| Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt Bus | 11 |
| Educational Services Bus | 3 |
| HealthCare/Social Assist Bus | 18 |
| Arts/Entertainment/Rec Bus | 2 |
| Accommodation/Food Srvcs Bus | 14 |
| Accommodation Bus | 4 |
| Food Srv/Drinking Places Bus | 10 |
| Other Srv excl Pub Admin Bus | 21 |
| Auto Repair/Maintenance Bus | 2 |
| Public Administration Bus | 6 |
Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25
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