Carter Lake, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,767
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$85,349/yr
13.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,457
-0.3% year-over-year change

Carter Lake population

How many people live in Carter Lake

Carter Lake is home to 3,767 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.4% of Carter Lake locals are male, and 49.6% are female.

Total population
3,767
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
1,897
Female
49.6%
1,870
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,897 50.4% -10.1%
Female 1,870 49.6% 12.4%
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 Carter Lake is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.3% are children under 15, then 9.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25% of the population, while another 25.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
40
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.3%
15 to 24
9.3%
25 to 44
25%
45 to 64
25.1%
Over 65
17.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 877 23.3% 2.0%
15 to 24 351 9.3% -24.7%
25 to 44 942 25% 16.1%
45 to 64 947 25.1% -10.6%
Over 65 650 17.3% 12.7%
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 Carter Lake, 92.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 16.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.5%
Non-citizens
3.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,481 92.4% 1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 168 4.5% -32.8%
Non-citizens 118 3.1% 37.2%
Racial breakdown
White
80%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
16.3%
Other
2.9%
Value Percent
White 3,015 80%
Black or African American 15 0.4%
Asian 13 0.4%
Two or more races 614 16.3%
Other 110 2.9%

Households in Carter Lake

A peek inside Carter Lake households

Carter Lake has 1,390 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 77.3% are families, while the remaining 22.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,390
0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
316
Family households
1,074
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 316 22.7% -17.3%
Family households 1,074 77.3% 6.7%
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 Carter Lake

The housing landscape of Carter Lake

Carter Lake's housing consists of 1,457 units, with 81.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.7% 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 15% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,457
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,186 81.4%
1 unit, attached 39 2.7%
2 units 10 0.7%
10 to 19 units 3 0.2%
Mobile home 219 15%
Homes built since 2020
8
-20.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Carter Lake

In Carter Lake, the median construction year is 1969. About 8.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 122 8.4% -16.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 63 4.3% -16.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 296 20.3% 37.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 290 19.9% 12.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 265 18.2% 37.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 53 3.6% 8.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 187 12.8% -39.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 136 9.3% -8.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 37 2.5% -33.9%
Built in 2020 or later 8 0.6% -20.0%
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.

Carter Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 1,390 occupied housing units in Carter Lake, 91% are owner-occupied, while 9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,390
0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
125
Owner occupied
1,265
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 125 9% -42.7%
Owner occupied 1,265 91% 8.0%
Unoccupied housing units
4.6%
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.

Carter Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Carter Lake come to a median of $1,145 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,323.

Median housing costs per month
$1,145/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 Carter Lake
$1,323/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 Carter Lake

Carter Lake education at a glance

About 57.8% of the population in Carter Lake went to high school, while 18.6% pursued college studies. Another 10.4% earned an associate degree and 3.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 129 4.6% -34.9%
High school diploma 1,615 57.8% -0.3%
College diploma 518 18.6% 28.9%
Associate degree 289 10.4% 7.4%
Bachelor's degree 107 3.8% -36.7%
Graduate degree 135 4.8% -15.1%
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 Carter Lake

How much people earn in Carter Lake

The average annual household income in Carter Lake was $102,974 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +12.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $85,349, reflecting a +13.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Carter Lake
$102,974/year
12.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Carter Lake
$85,349/year
13.7% year-over-year change

Carter Lake income by age

In Carter Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $93,194. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $100,642 overall. Overall, 88.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $93,194 45.5%
45 - 64 $100,642 0.7%
Over 65 $58,113 3.3%
Above poverty level
3,333
Below poverty level
434
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,333 88.5% 4.1%
Below poverty level 434 11.5% -24.1%

Employment in Carter Lake

Workforce and job types in Carter Lake

The job market in Carter Lake is powered by 1,784 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.1% run their own businesses, 71.6% are employed by private companies, and 5.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,784
1.5% year-over-year change
White collar
1,161
Blue collar
623
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,161 65.1% 0.3%
Blue collar 623 34.9% 4.0%
Employer type
Self employees
10.1%
Private companies
71.6%
Governmental workers
5.4%
Not for profit companies
12.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 180 10.1% -17.4%
Private companies 1,278 71.6% -0.8%
Governmental workers 96 5.4% -6.8%
Not for profit companies 230 12.9% 56.5%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
-17.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Carter Lake stands at 3.8%, 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 Carter Lake

How people get around in Carter Lake

Commuting methods vary: 86.8% 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 1,531 86.8% -0.8%
Walk 28 1.6% 16.7%
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 Carter Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51510 3,767 1,390 $85,349 $102,974

Explore more communities

FAQs about Carter Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Carter Lake?

Carter Lake has a total population of 3,767 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Carter Lake?

The gender ratio in Carter Lake is as follows:
  • 50.4% males (1,897 residents)
  • 49.6% females (1,870 residents)

What is the median age in Carter Lake?

The median age in Carter Lake is 40.

What is the age distribution of the population in Carter Lake?

The age distribution in Carter Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.3% (877 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.3% (351 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25% (942 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.1% (947 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.3% (650 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Carter Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Carter Lake is as follows:
  • White: 80% (3,015 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (15 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (13 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.3% (614 residents)
  • Other: 2.9% (110 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.4% of the population in Carter Lake.

How many housing units are there in Carter Lake?

There are 1,457 housing units in Carter Lake, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Carter Lake has a total of 1,390 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Carter Lake?

Carter Lake has a median household income of $85,349, representing a +13.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Carter Lake?

The employment rate is 96.2% in Carter Lake, with a workforce of 1,784 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.1% (1,161 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.9% (623 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.1% (180 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.6% (1,278 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 5.4% (96 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.9% (230 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