Avoca, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,444
5.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,056/yr
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
774
7.0% year-over-year change

Avoca population

How many people live in Avoca

Avoca is home to 1,444 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.5% of Avoca locals are male, and 53.5% are female.

Total population
1,444
5.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.5%
672
Female
53.5%
772
Value Percent YoY change
Male 672 46.5% 6.7%
Female 772 53.5% 4.5%
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 Avoca is 49, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.4% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.1% of the population, while another 27.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 28.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
49.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.4%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
18.1%
45 to 64
27.8%
Over 65
28.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 208 14.4% -5.9%
15 to 24 163 11.3% -8.9%
25 to 44 262 18.1% 10.1%
45 to 64 401 27.8% 11.7%
Over 65 410 28.4% 10.2%
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 Avoca, 97.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.7% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.4%
Non-citizens
0.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,413 97.8% 3.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 21 1.4% 162.5%
Non-citizens 10 0.7% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
93.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.8%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 1,355 93.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 9 0.6%
Asian 16 1.1%
Two or more races 55 3.8%
Other 9 0.6%

Households in Avoca

A peek inside Avoca households

Avoca has 706 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.8% are families, while the remaining 44.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
706
6.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
312
Family households
394
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 312 44.2% 4.3%
Family households 394 55.8% 7.7%
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 Avoca

The housing landscape of Avoca

Avoca's housing consists of 774 units, with 85.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.7% 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 1.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
774
7.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 660 85.3%
1 unit, attached 13 1.7%
3 or 4 units 29 3.8%
5 to 9 units 23 3%
10 to 19 units 18 2.3%
20 to 49 units 17 2.2%
Mobile home 14 1.8%
Homes built since 2020
3
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Avoca

In Avoca, the median construction year is 1957. About 41.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 323 41.7% -6.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 27 3.5% 28.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 52 6.7% 18.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 67 8.7% 15.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 148 19.1% 26.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 22 2.8% -29.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 30 3.9% -9.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 60 7.8% 46.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 42 5.4% 40.0%
Built in 2020 or later 3 0.4% 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.

Avoca occupancy rates

Out of the 706 occupied housing units in Avoca, 68% are owner-occupied, while 32% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
706
6.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
226
Owner occupied
480
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 226 32% 8.7%
Owner occupied 480 68% 5.0%
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.

Avoca housing costs

Housing costs in Avoca come to a median of $873 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $850.

Median housing costs per month
$873/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 Avoca
$850/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 Avoca

Avoca education at a glance

About 37.8% of the population in Avoca went to high school, while 22.3% pursued college studies. Another 14.7% earned an associate degree and 16.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 14 1.2% 7.7%
High school diploma 447 37.8% 2.3%
College diploma 264 22.3% -1.9%
Associate degree 174 14.7% 33.9%
Bachelor's degree 191 16.2% 9.8%
Graduate degree 92 7.8% 21.1%
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 Avoca

How much people earn in Avoca

The average annual household income in Avoca was $99,806 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +12% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,056, reflecting a +3.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Avoca
$99,806/year
12.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Avoca
$73,056/year
3.5% year-over-year change

Avoca income by age

In Avoca, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $88,365. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,281 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $63,333, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $56,667 in earnings. Overall, 93% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $63,333 N/A
25 - 44 $88,365 -9.1%
45 - 64 $73,281 17.8%
Over 65 $56,667 -14.7%
Above poverty level
1,318
Below poverty level
100
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,318 93% 8.8%
Below poverty level 100 7% -16.7%

Average renter income in Avoca

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Avoca, their median household income was $23,967 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$23,967
Rent-to-income ratio
42.6%
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 Avoca

Workforce and job types in Avoca

The job market in Avoca is powered by 750 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.3% run their own businesses, 67.3% are employed by private companies, and 12.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
750
9.7% year-over-year change
White collar
505
Blue collar
245
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 505 67.3% 8.1%
Blue collar 245 32.7% 12.9%
Employer type
Self employees
10.3%
Private companies
67.3%
Governmental workers
12.3%
Not for profit companies
10.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 77 10.3% 13.2%
Private companies 505 67.3% 4.8%
Governmental workers 92 12.3% 39.4%
Not for profit companies 76 10.1% 11.8%
Unemployment rate
1.3%
66.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Avoca stands at 1.3%, 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 Avoca

How people get around in Avoca

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 685 92.8% 6.5%
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 Avoca by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51521 1,953 878 $73,769 $101,947

Explore more communities

FAQs about Avoca demographics 

What is the total population of Avoca?

Avoca has a total population of 1,444 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 +5.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Avoca?

The gender ratio in Avoca is as follows:
  • 46.5% males (672 residents)
  • 53.5% females (772 residents)

What is the median age in Avoca?

The median age in Avoca is 49.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Avoca?

The age distribution in Avoca is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.4% (208 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (163 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.1% (262 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.8% (401 residents)
  • Over 65: 28.4% (410 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Avoca?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Avoca is as follows:
  • White: 93.8% (1,355 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (9 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (16 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.8% (55 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (9 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.8% of the population in Avoca.

How many housing units are there in Avoca?

There are 774 housing units in Avoca, reflecting a +7.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Avoca has a total of 706 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Avoca?

Avoca has a median household income of $73,056, representing a +3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.7% in Avoca, with a workforce of 750 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.3% (505 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.7% (245 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.3% (77 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.3% (505 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.3% (92 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.1% (76 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