Brighton, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
588
-10.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$50,481/yr
-8.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
244
-3.6% year-over-year change

Brighton population

How many people live in Brighton

Brighton is home to 588 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.5% of Brighton locals are male, and 48.5% are female.

Total population
588
-10.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.5%
303
Female
48.5%
285
Value Percent YoY change
Male 303 51.5% -7.9%
Female 285 48.5% -12.6%
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 Brighton is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 23% are children under 15, then 6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.3% of the population, while another 25.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
23%
15 to 24
6%
25 to 44
23.3%
45 to 64
25.8%
Over 65
21.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 135 23% -29.3%
15 to 24 35 6% -2.8%
25 to 44 137 23.3% -4.9%
45 to 64 152 25.8% -18.3%
Over 65 129 21.9% 31.6%
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

At the same time, 1.5% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 8.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
1.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 579 98.5% -10.5%
Non-citizens 9 1.5% 12.5%
Racial breakdown
White
90.5%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.7%
Two or more races
8.3%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 532 90.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 4 0.7%
Two or more races 49 8.3%
Other 3 0.5%

Households in Brighton

A peek inside Brighton households

Brighton has 235 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.2% are families, while the remaining 40.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
235
-2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
96
Family households
139
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 96 40.8% 17.1%
Family households 139 59.2% -12.0%
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 Brighton

The housing landscape of Brighton

Brighton's housing consists of 244 units, with 73% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 14.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
244
-3.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 178 73%
3 or 4 units 31 12.7%
Mobile home 35 14.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Brighton

In Brighton, the median construction year is 1953. About 43.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 107 43.8% 0.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 9 3.7% -30.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 20 8.2% 17.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 31 12.7% 3.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 66 27% -12.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4 1.6% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 7 2.9% 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.

Brighton occupancy rates

Out of the 235 occupied housing units in Brighton, 68.5% are owner-occupied, while 31.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
235
-2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
74
Owner occupied
161
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 74 31.5% -1.3%
Owner occupied 161 68.5% -2.4%
Unoccupied housing units
3.7%
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.

Brighton housing costs

Housing costs in Brighton come to a median of $707 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $675.

Median housing costs per month
$707/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 Brighton
$675/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 Brighton

Brighton education at a glance

About 53.4% of the population in Brighton went to high school, while 27.2% pursued college studies. Another 8.2% earned an associate degree and 6.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 10 2.3% -37.5%
High school diploma 234 53.4% 6.4%
College diploma 119 27.2% -8.5%
Associate degree 36 8.2% -26.5%
Bachelor's degree 28 6.4% 16.7%
Graduate degree 11 2.5% 22.2%
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 Brighton

How much people earn in Brighton

The average annual household income in Brighton was $66,178 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -8.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $50,481, reflecting a -8.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Brighton
$66,178/year
-8.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Brighton
$50,481/year
-8.2% year-over-year change

Brighton income by age

In Brighton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $41,071. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $79,375 overall. Overall, 71% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $41,071 -14.3%
45 - 64 $79,375 15.4%
Over 65 $55,089 -1.8%
Above poverty level
412
Below poverty level
168
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 412 71% -13.1%
Below poverty level 168 29% 13.5%

Employment in Brighton

Workforce and job types in Brighton

The job market in Brighton is powered by 248 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 63.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.1% run their own businesses, 60.5% are employed by private companies, and 19.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
248
-9.2% year-over-year change
White collar
157
Blue collar
91
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 157 63.3% -1.9%
Blue collar 91 36.7% -19.5%
Employer type
Self employees
14.1%
Private companies
60.5%
Governmental workers
19.8%
Not for profit companies
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 35 14.1% -7.9%
Private companies 150 60.5% -14.3%
Governmental workers 49 19.8% 16.7%
Not for profit companies 14 5.6% -22.2%
Unemployment rate
3.1%
-42.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Brighton stands at 3.1%, 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 Brighton

How people get around in Brighton

Commuting methods vary: 88.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% 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 208 88.9% -2.8%
Walk 4 1.7% -33.3%
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 Brighton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
52540 1,088 472 $55,000 $77,196

Explore more communities

FAQs about Brighton demographics 

What is the total population of Brighton?

Brighton has a total population of 588 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 -10.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Brighton?

The gender ratio in Brighton is as follows:
  • 51.5% males (303 residents)
  • 48.5% females (285 residents)

What is the median age in Brighton?

The median age in Brighton is 40.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Brighton?

The age distribution in Brighton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23% (135 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6% (35 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.3% (137 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.8% (152 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.9% (129 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Brighton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Brighton is as follows:
  • White: 90.5% (532 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.7% (4 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.3% (49 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (3 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.5% of the population in Brighton.

How many housing units are there in Brighton?

There are 244 housing units in Brighton, reflecting a -3.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Brighton has a total of 235 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Brighton?

Brighton has a median household income of $50,481, representing a -8.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.9% in Brighton, with a workforce of 248 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.3% (157 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.7% (91 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.1% (35 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.5% (150 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.8% (49 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.6% (14 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