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What Cheer, IA

View of What Cheer, IA
Image credit: Jim Roberts / CC BY-SA 4.0
Population
593
U.S. Census Population Estimates Program · 2025
Elevation
777 ft
Median Home Value
$49,200
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
Median Rent
$744/mo
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
Median Income
$48,182
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
General Quality
Overall rating out of 100

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OverallBest places in IowaPopulation rankingHighest population places in IowaNearest larger communityOskaloosa, Iowa17 miles away · 11,493 residents.

About What Cheer

What Cheer is a quiet Keokuk County community known for its memorable 19th-century greeting of a name. Founded in the 1860s, the town boomed during Iowa's coal-mining era, drawing thousands of workers, rail lines, and bustling businesses into the area. While those mining days have passed, the town retains its historic charm with wide streets, classic brick storefronts, and a peaceful countryside setting.

Welcome to What Cheer, Iowa (23977534623)

Community life centers around the historic What Cheer Opera House, which continues to host live music and performances more than a century after John Philip Sousa took the stage. The town also draws crowds from across the region for its massive seasonal flea markets at the fairgrounds. Paired with the Brick School Museum and the Tri-County school system, What Cheer offers a friendly, grounded home for anyone looking for classic small-town Iowa living.

Top Rating Signals

Highest current ratings for this town.

Lower County Wildfire Hazard Potential ClassA+100.0ratingLower Projected Late-Century County-Area Exposure to Sea-Level RiseA+100.0ratingLow PopulationA+100.0rating

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