Carroll, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,208
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$69,706/yr
17.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,965
3.3% year-over-year change

Carroll population

How many people live in Carroll

Carroll is home to 10,208 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.9% of Carroll locals are male, and 52.1% are female.

Total population
10,208
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.9%
4,891
Female
52.1%
5,317
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,891 47.9% 0.2%
Female 5,317 52.1% -1.2%
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 Carroll is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 18% are children under 15, then 9.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.4% of the population, while another 24.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
9.2%
25 to 44
24.4%
45 to 64
24.3%
Over 65
24.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,843 18% -8.1%
15 to 24 936 9.2% -8.2%
25 to 44 2,489 24.4% 2.4%
45 to 64 2,484 24.3% 0.9%
Over 65 2,456 24.1% 4.8%
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 Carroll, 97.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 91.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1.2% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.8%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 9,918 97.2% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 179 1.8% -20.8%
Non-citizens 111 1.1% 33.7%
Racial breakdown
White
91.6%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.8%
Other
1%
Value Percent
White 9,355 91.6%
Black or African American 120 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0%
Asian 36 0.4%
Two or more races 588 5.8%
Other 107 1%

Households in Carroll

A peek inside Carroll households

Carroll has 4,696 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.7% are families, while the remaining 47.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,696
3.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,220
Family households
2,476
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,220 47.3% 10.3%
Family households 2,476 52.7% -1.8%
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 Carroll

The housing landscape of Carroll

Carroll's housing consists of 4,965 units, with 73.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.5% 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 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,965
3.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,655 73.6%
1 unit, attached 271 5.5%
2 units 31 0.6%
3 or 4 units 203 4.1%
5 to 9 units 147 3%
10 to 19 units 218 4.4%
20 to 49 units 316 6.4%
50 or more units 87 1.8%
Mobile home 37 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Carroll

In Carroll, the median construction year is 1971. About 17.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.6% 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 858 17.3% 27.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 177 3.6% -13.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 642 12.9% -12.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 712 14.3% 3.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,006 20.3% 14.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 392 7.9% -9.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 438 8.8% 7.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 640 12.9% -5.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 100 2% -7.4%
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.

Carroll occupancy rates

Out of the 4,696 occupied housing units in Carroll, 71.8% are owner-occupied, while 28.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,696
3.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,325
Owner occupied
3,371
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,325 28.2% -12.0%
Owner occupied 3,371 71.8% 11.3%
Unoccupied housing units
5.4%
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.

Carroll housing costs

Housing costs in Carroll come to a median of $793 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $722.

Median housing costs per month
$793/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 Carroll
$722/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 Carroll

Carroll education at a glance

About 42.6% of the population in Carroll went to high school, while 18.6% pursued college studies. Another 11.9% earned an associate degree and 18.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 100 1.2% -24.8%
High school diploma 3,410 42.6% 0.2%
College diploma 1,487 18.6% 1.9%
Associate degree 954 11.9% -4.5%
Bachelor's degree 1,506 18.8% 6.4%
Graduate degree 547 6.8% 11.4%
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 Carroll

How much people earn in Carroll

The average annual household income in Carroll was $90,970 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +13.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $69,706, reflecting a +17.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Carroll
$90,970/year
13.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Carroll
$69,706/year
17.5% year-over-year change

Carroll income by age

In Carroll, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $73,638. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $71,495 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $84,375, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,733 in earnings. Overall, 91.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $84,375 4.0%
25 - 44 $73,638 8.2%
45 - 64 $71,495 4.2%
Over 65 $44,733 7.8%
Above poverty level
9,011
Below poverty level
880
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,011 91.1% 1.3%
Below poverty level 880 8.9% -14.6%

Average renter income in Carroll

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Carroll, their median household income was $28,409 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$28,409
Rent-to-income ratio
30.5%
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 Carroll

Workforce and job types in Carroll

The job market in Carroll is powered by 5,101 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.3% run their own businesses, 58.1% are employed by private companies, and 14.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,101
6.0% year-over-year change
White collar
3,601
Blue collar
1,500
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,601 70.6% 3.6%
Blue collar 1,500 29.4% 12.1%
Employer type
Self employees
14.3%
Private companies
58.1%
Governmental workers
14.4%
Not for profit companies
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 730 14.3% 30.1%
Private companies 2,964 58.1% 1.4%
Governmental workers 734 14.4% 9.7%
Not for profit companies 673 13.2% 1.8%
Unemployment rate
2.5%
-15.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Carroll stands at 2.5%, 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 Carroll

How people get around in Carroll

Commuting methods vary: 90.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% 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 4,606 90.5% 5.5%
Bus or trolleybus 36 0.7% 71.4%
Ferryboat 28 0.6% 33.3%
Walk 79 1.6% 61.2%
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 Carroll by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51401 11,990 5,310 $70,702 $92,664

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FAQs about Carroll demographics 

What is the total population of Carroll?

Carroll has a total population of 10,208 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 -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Carroll?

The gender ratio in Carroll is as follows:
  • 47.9% males (4,891 residents)
  • 52.1% females (5,317 residents)

What is the median age in Carroll?

The median age in Carroll is 43.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Carroll?

The age distribution in Carroll is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18% (1,843 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.2% (936 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.4% (2,489 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.3% (2,484 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.1% (2,456 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Carroll?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Carroll is as follows:
  • White: 91.6% (9,355 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (120 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (36 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.8% (588 residents)
  • Other: 1% (107 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.2% of the population in Carroll.

How many housing units are there in Carroll?

There are 4,965 housing units in Carroll, reflecting a +3.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Carroll has a total of 4,696 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Carroll?

Carroll has a median household income of $69,706, representing a +17.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.5% in Carroll, with a workforce of 5,101 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.6% (3,601 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.4% (1,500 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.3% (730 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.1% (2,964 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.4% (734 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.2% (673 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