Atlantic, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,763
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,141/yr
6.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,577
2.4% year-over-year change

Atlantic population

How many people live in Atlantic

Atlantic is home to 6,763 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Atlantic locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
6,763
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
3,266
Female
51.7%
3,497
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,266 48.3% 3.5%
Female 3,497 51.7% -3.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Atlantic is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.5% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.8% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.5%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
24.8%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
24.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,048 15.5% -10.0%
15 to 24 767 11.3% -3.9%
25 to 44 1,679 24.8% 5.3%
45 to 64 1,637 24.2% -1.7%
Over 65 1,632 24.1% 5.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Atlantic, 99.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 94.2% of locals are Caucasian, 1.7% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 1.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,702 99.1% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 24 0.4% -40.0%
Non-citizens 37 0.6% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
94.2%
Black or African American
1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.6%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 6,373 94.2%
Black or African American 118 1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 43 0.6%
Asian 25 0.4%
Two or more races 105 1.6%
Other 99 1.5%

Households in Atlantic

A peek inside Atlantic households

Atlantic has 3,261 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.3% are families, while the remaining 47.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,261
3.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,556
Family households
1,705
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,556 47.7% 8.9%
Family households 1,705 52.3% -1.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Atlantic

The housing landscape of Atlantic

Atlantic's housing consists of 3,577 units, with 73.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,577
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,624 73.4%
1 unit, attached 37 1%
2 units 166 4.6%
3 or 4 units 164 4.6%
5 to 9 units 163 4.6%
10 to 19 units 69 1.9%
20 to 49 units 189 5.3%
50 or more units 92 2.6%
Mobile home 73 2%
Homes built since 2020
8
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Atlantic

In Atlantic, the median construction year is 1959. About 28.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,022 28.6% -3.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 215 6% 1.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 584 16.3% 3.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 547 15.3% 14.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 523 14.6% 13.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 349 9.8% 2.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 136 3.8% -36.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 141 3.9% 7.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 52 1.4% 108.0%
Built in 2020 or later 8 0.2% 0.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Atlantic occupancy rates

Out of the 3,261 occupied housing units in Atlantic, 62.6% are owner-occupied, while 37.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,261
3.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,220
Owner occupied
2,041
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,220 37.4% 1.2%
Owner occupied 2,041 62.6% 4.2%
Unoccupied housing units
8.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Atlantic housing costs

Housing costs in Atlantic come to a median of $834 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $764.

Median housing costs per month
$834/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Atlantic
$764/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Atlantic

Atlantic education at a glance

About 48.2% of the population in Atlantic went to high school, while 21.1% pursued college studies. Another 8% earned an associate degree and 16.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 78 1.4% -18.8%
High school diploma 2,631 48.2% 9.0%
College diploma 1,152 21.1% -4.2%
Associate degree 437 8% 7.9%
Bachelor's degree 881 16.1% -1.6%
Graduate degree 278 5.1% -1.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Atlantic

How much people earn in Atlantic

The average annual household income in Atlantic was $80,704 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,141, reflecting a +6.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Atlantic
$80,704/year
4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Atlantic
$61,141/year
6.4% year-over-year change

Atlantic income by age

In Atlantic, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $68,514. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,625 overall. Overall, 82.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $68,514 -3.3%
45 - 64 $68,625 -1.1%
Over 65 $43,848 1.4%
Above poverty level
5,413
Below poverty level
1,144
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,413 82.6% 8.2%
Below poverty level 1,144 17.4% -26.7%

Average renter income in Atlantic

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Atlantic, their median household income was $24,092 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,092
Rent-to-income ratio
38.1%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Atlantic

Workforce and job types in Atlantic

The job market in Atlantic is powered by 3,571 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8% run their own businesses, 70.7% are employed by private companies, and 14.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,571
0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
2,471
Blue collar
1,100
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,471 69.2% -5.7%
Blue collar 1,100 30.8% 19.1%
Employer type
Self employees
8%
Private companies
70.7%
Governmental workers
14.2%
Not for profit companies
7.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 286 8% 8.3%
Private companies 2,524 70.7% 6.5%
Governmental workers 506 14.2% -24.5%
Not for profit companies 255 7.1% 5.8%
Unemployment rate
1.1%
105.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Atlantic stands at 1.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Atlantic

How people get around in Atlantic

Commuting methods vary: 83.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,967 83.8% -1.8%
Taxicab 51 1.4% 537.5%
Bus or trolleybus 5 0.1% 0.0%
Motorcycle 18 0.5% 38.5%
Walk 111 3.1% -10.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Atlantic by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50022 8,526 3,798 $63,125 $86,009

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FAQs about Atlantic demographics 

What is the total population of Atlantic?

Atlantic has a total population of 6,763 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Atlantic?

The gender ratio in Atlantic is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (3,266 residents)
  • 51.7% females (3,497 residents)

What is the median age in Atlantic?

The median age in Atlantic is 43.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Atlantic?

The age distribution in Atlantic is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.5% (1,048 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (767 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.8% (1,679 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (1,637 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.1% (1,632 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Atlantic?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Atlantic is as follows:
  • White: 94.2% (6,373 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.7% (118 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (43 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (25 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.6% (105 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (99 residents)

What percentage of the population in Atlantic are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.1% of the population in Atlantic.

How many housing units are there in Atlantic?

There are 3,577 housing units in Atlantic, reflecting a +2.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Atlantic and what is the average household size?

Atlantic has a total of 3,261 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Atlantic?

Atlantic has a median household income of $61,141, representing a +6.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Atlantic?

The employment rate is 98.9% in Atlantic, with a workforce of 3,571 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.2% (2,471 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.8% (1,100 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8% (286 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.7% (2,524 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.2% (506 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.1% (255 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025