About Ely
Ely is a small town in eastern Iowa with an estimated population of 2,371.
Officially, Ely is an incorporated city with its own municipal government. The community covers 1.69 square miles, giving it a balanced suburban layout with room to breathe at roughly 1,403 residents per square mile.
📰 Ely News Today
- Walter Steggall Jr. Obituary (1951 - 2026) - Ely, IA - The Gazette Legacy obituary · Aug 17
- Ely Air Quality Index (AQI) and USA Air Pollution IQAir · Jun 23
- Eileen F. Jacobson Obituary Jan 15, 2026 Murdoch Funeral Homes & Cremation Service · Jan 15
- Ely volunteer brings community together with monthly free meals KCRG · Feb 25
- Crash on Hwy 30 near Ely sends 3 to hospital KWWL · Jun 19
Live headlines via Google News — updates through the day.
What Makes Ely Unique
- Positioned in eastern Iowa, convenient to the region's corridors and crossings.
- Part of the fabric of Iowa — one of 1,026 recognized communities statewide.
Why People Love It Here
- Quiet streets and a slower rhythm — the kind of place people move to on purpose.
- Housing dollars stretch further here than in the nearest metro.
- Well connected: 3+ neighboring communities within 7 miles.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Ely
- Odie's Bar
Local spots mapped by the OpenStreetMap community.
🎡 Fun Things to Do
- Ely Corner Art Studio and Gallery · Art gallery
Attractions mapped by the OpenStreetMap community.
⚡ Quick Facts
StateIowa
TypeCity
Population (2024)2,371
Rank in state#147 of 940
Land area1.69 sq mi
Density1,403/sq mi
Coordinates41.8803, -91.5863