Carson, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
834
8.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,403/yr
3.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
355
11.6% year-over-year change

Carson population

How many people live in Carson

Carson is home to 834 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Carson locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
834
8.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
407
Female
51.2%
427
Value Percent YoY change
Male 407 48.8% 10.6%
Female 427 51.2% 6.8%
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 Carson is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.1% are children under 15, then 9.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.5% of the population, while another 21.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.1%
15 to 24
9.4%
25 to 44
25.5%
45 to 64
21.8%
Over 65
23.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 168 20.1% 17.5%
15 to 24 78 9.4% -6.0%
25 to 44 213 25.5% 12.7%
45 to 64 182 21.8% 8.3%
Over 65 193 23.1% 4.3%
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 Carson, 99.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.2%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 829 99.4% 8.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2 0.2% 0.0%
Non-citizens 3 0.4% 50.0%
Racial breakdown
White
92.7%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.4%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 773 92.7%
Two or more races 45 5.4%
Other 16 1.9%

Households in Carson

A peek inside Carson households

Carson has 343 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.3% are families, while the remaining 34.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
343
10.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
119
Family households
224
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 119 34.7% -1.6%
Family households 224 65.3% 17.9%
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 Carson

The housing landscape of Carson

Carson's housing consists of 355 units, with 89.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
355
11.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 318 89.6%
1 unit, attached 17 4.8%
3 or 4 units 15 4.2%
10 to 19 units 5 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Carson

In Carson, the median construction year is 1963. About 36.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.9% 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 130 36.6% 12.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 14 3.9% -17.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 22 6.2% -37.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 35 9.9% 9.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 47 13.2% 51.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 24 6.8% 200.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 26 7.3% 18.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 46 13% 2.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 11 3.1% -8.3%
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.

Carson occupancy rates

Out of the 343 occupied housing units in Carson, 82.8% are owner-occupied, while 17.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
343
10.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
59
Owner occupied
284
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 59 17.2% -1.7%
Owner occupied 284 82.8% 13.2%
Unoccupied housing units
3.4%
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.

Carson housing costs

Housing costs in Carson come to a median of $894 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $744.

Median housing costs per month
$894/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 Carson
$744/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 Carson

Carson education at a glance

About 38.9% of the population in Carson went to high school, while 26% pursued college studies. Another 12.1% earned an associate degree and 14.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 6 0.9% -50.0%
High school diploma 247 38.9% -2.4%
College diploma 165 26% 13.8%
Associate degree 77 12.1% 57.1%
Bachelor's degree 93 14.6% 12.1%
Graduate degree 47 7.4% -7.8%
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 Carson

How much people earn in Carson

The average annual household income in Carson was $78,921 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,403, reflecting a +3.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Carson
$78,921/year
-5.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Carson
$73,403/year
3.8% year-over-year change

Carson income by age

In Carson, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $87,500. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $86,563 overall. Overall, 91.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $87,500 4.0%
45 - 64 $86,563 8.2%
Over 65 $45,000 7.5%
Above poverty level
755
Below poverty level
69
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 755 91.6% 6.5%
Below poverty level 69 8.4% 30.2%

Average renter income in Carson

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Carson, their median household income was $34,000 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$34,000
Rent-to-income ratio
26.3%
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 Carson

Workforce and job types in Carson

The job market in Carson is powered by 392 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 21.2% run their own businesses, 52% are employed by private companies, and 14.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
392
13.0% year-over-year change
White collar
257
Blue collar
135
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 257 65.6% 15.2%
Blue collar 135 34.4% 8.9%
Employer type
Self employees
21.2%
Private companies
52%
Governmental workers
14.5%
Not for profit companies
12.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 83 21.2% -2.4%
Private companies 204 52% 21.4%
Governmental workers 57 14.5% 5.6%
Not for profit companies 48 12.2% 20.0%
Unemployment rate
3.0%
-29.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Carson stands at 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 Carson

How people get around in Carson

Commuting methods vary: 88.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.6% 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 343 88.4% 14.7%
Walk 10 2.6% 0.0%
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 Carson by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51525 1,067 464 $82,308 $93,494

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FAQs about Carson demographics 

What is the total population of Carson?

Carson has a total population of 834 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 +8.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Carson?

The gender ratio in Carson is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (407 residents)
  • 51.2% females (427 residents)

What is the median age in Carson?

The median age in Carson is 41.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Carson?

The age distribution in Carson is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.1% (168 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.4% (78 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.5% (213 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.8% (182 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.1% (193 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Carson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Carson is as follows:
  • White: 92.7% (773 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% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.4% (45 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (16 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.4% of the population in Carson.

How many housing units are there in Carson?

There are 355 housing units in Carson, reflecting a +11.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Carson has a total of 343 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Carson?

Carson has a median household income of $73,403, representing a +3.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97% in Carson, with a workforce of 392 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.6% (257 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.4% (135 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 21.2% (83 residents)
  • Private companies: 52% (204 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.5% (57 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.2% (48 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