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

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Population

Population2000201020252030
Milford2,4762,9003,5093,711

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Population by Age

Population2025
0-4181
5-9206
10-14218
15-19230
20-24221
25-29153
30-34219
35-39219
40-44217
45-49228
50-54184
55-59162
60-64242
65-69235
70-74229
75-79167
80-8499
85+99
18+2,754
Median Age43

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Population by Race

Milford2025
Total3,509.00
White Alone91.39%
Black Alone1.14%
American Indian Alone0.03%
Asian Alone0.71%
Pacific Islander Alone0.26%
Some Other Race1.71%
Two or More Races4.76%
Hispanic Origin4.27%
Diversity Index23.10

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Growth Rate

Milford2025 - 2030
Population1.13%
Households1.64%
Families1.62%
Median Household Income3%
Per Capita Income3%

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

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Housing

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Households

Population2000201020252030
Households1,0431,2751,5581,690
Housing Units1,1301,4131,7341,909
Owner Occupied Units1,1481,269
Renter Occupied Units410421
Vacant Units176219

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Home Value

Milford20252030
Median Home Value$247,984$355,714
Average Home Value$355,224$471,458
<$50,0004932
$50,000 - $99,9998338
$100,000 - $149,9999458
$150,000 - $199,99911095
$200,000 - $249,999248216
$250,000 - $299,999126137
$300,000 - $399,99988105
$400,000 - $499,99997132
$500,000 - $749,999177329
$1,000,000 +68

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Housing Year Built

Year RangeHouses Built
2010 or Later250
2000-2009168
1990-1999240
1980-1989286
1970-1979232
1960-1969103
1950-1959143
1940-194919
1939 or Before207

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

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Income

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Income

Milford20252030
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

Milford2025
<$15,00083
$15,000 - $24,999160
$25,000 - $34,999130
$35,000 - $49,999214
$50,000 - $74,999300
$75,000 - $99,999166
$100,000 - $149,999295
$150,000 - $199,99997
$200,000+113

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

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Employees

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Commute

CategoryCommuters
Workers 16+1,841
In-County Residents1,522
Out-of-County Residents286
Drive Alone1,406
Carpooled219
Public Transport0
Work at Home69
Motorcycle0
Bicycle0
Walked41
Other106
Less than 5 minutes208
5-9 minutes311
10-14 minutes246
15-19 minutes489
20-24 minutes280
25-29 minutes44
30-34 minutes31
35-39 minutes36
40-44 minutes36
45-59 minutes9
60-89 minutes33
90+ minutes49
Average Travel Time0

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Employees by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Employees1,386
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt4
Mining0
Utilities9
Construction73
Manufacturing27
Wholesale Trade99
  
Retail Trade230
  
Transportation/Warehouse21
Information37
  
Finance & Insurance50
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing16
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv78
Legal Services3
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises25
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt72
Educational Services145
HealthCare/Social Assist230
Arts/Entertainment/Rec2
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs172
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin70
Auto Repair/Maintenance2
Public Administration Emp26

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Educational Attainment (25+)

Milford2025
<9th Grade36
Some High School58
GED73
Graduated High School600
Some College/No Degree579
Associates Degree473
Bachelor's Degree524
Graduate Degree110

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

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Businesses

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Businesses by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Businesses166
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt Bus2
Mining Bus0
Utilities Bus1
Construction Bus13
Manufacturing Bus6
Wholesale Trade Bus8
  
Retail Trade Bus20
  
Transportation/Warehouse Bus5
Information Bus6
  
Finance & Insurance Bus7
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing Bus6
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv Bus11
Legal Services Bus1
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises Bus1
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt Bus11
Educational Services Bus3
HealthCare/Social Assist Bus18
Arts/Entertainment/Rec Bus2
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs Bus14
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin Bus21
Auto Repair/Maintenance Bus2
Public Administration Bus6

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

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