Central City, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,356
7.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$85,400/yr
4.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
576
0.5% year-over-year change

Central City population

How many people live in Central City

Central City is home to 1,356 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.4% of Central City locals are male, and 47.6% are female.

Total population
1,356
7.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.4%
711
Female
47.6%
645
Value Percent YoY change
Male 711 52.4% 7.7%
Female 645 47.6% 6.4%
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 Central City is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.6% are children under 15, then 9.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.6% of the population, while another 23.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.6%
15 to 24
9.6%
25 to 44
26.6%
45 to 64
23.4%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 307 22.6% 15.4%
15 to 24 130 9.6% 0.8%
25 to 44 360 26.6% 6.8%
45 to 64 318 23.4% 5.3%
Over 65 241 17.8% 3.9%
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, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,351 99.6% 6.9%
Non-citizens 5 0.4% 150.0%
Racial breakdown
White
97%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.6%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 1,316 97%
Two or more races 35 2.6%
Other 5 0.4%

Households in Central City

A peek inside Central City households

Central City has 544 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 66.5% are families, while the remaining 33.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
544
4.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
182
Family households
362
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 182 33.5% -3.2%
Family households 362 66.5% 9.4%
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 Central City

The housing landscape of Central City

Central City's housing consists of 576 units, with 80% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
576
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 461 80%
1 unit, attached 8 1.4%
2 units 22 3.8%
3 or 4 units 55 9.6%
5 to 9 units 23 4%
10 to 19 units 2 0.4%
20 to 49 units 5 0.9%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Central City

In Central City, the median construction year is 1959. About 33.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.6% 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 193 33.5% -4.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 38 6.6% 5.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 64 11.1% 4.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 38 6.6% -33.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 83 14.4% 80.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 10 1.7% -23.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 78 13.5% -16.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 57 9.9% 5.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 15 2.6% 36.4%
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.

Central City occupancy rates

Out of the 544 occupied housing units in Central City, 77.8% are owner-occupied, while 22.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
544
4.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
121
Owner occupied
423
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 121 22.2% 11.0%
Owner occupied 423 77.8% 3.2%
Unoccupied housing units
5.6%
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.

Central City housing costs

Housing costs in Central City come to a median of $1,086 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $782.

Median housing costs per month
$1,086/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 Central City
$782/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 Central City

Central City education at a glance

About 45.6% of the population in Central City went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 12.9% earned an associate degree and 15.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 464 45.6% 16.0%
College diploma 236 23.2% -11.3%
Associate degree 131 12.9% -1.5%
Bachelor's degree 156 15.3% 12.2%
Graduate degree 31 3% 34.8%
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 Central City

How much people earn in Central City

The average annual household income in Central City was $93,386 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $85,400, reflecting a +4.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Central City
$93,386/year
3.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Central City
$85,400/year
4.7% year-over-year change

Central City income by age

In Central City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $101,985. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,167 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $78,229, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $57,500 in earnings. Overall, 96.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $78,229 2.3%
25 - 44 $101,985 -11.4%
45 - 64 $84,167 -11.8%
Over 65 $57,500 9.5%
Above poverty level
1,297
Below poverty level
53
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,297 96.1% 7.2%
Below poverty level 53 3.9% 1.9%

Employment in Central City

Workforce and job types in Central City

The job market in Central City is powered by 717 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.8% run their own businesses, 71.3% are employed by private companies, and 15.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
717
6.1% year-over-year change
White collar
498
Blue collar
219
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 498 69.5% 4.8%
Blue collar 219 30.5% 9.0%
Employer type
Self employees
6.8%
Private companies
71.3%
Governmental workers
15.6%
Not for profit companies
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 49 6.8% -3.9%
Private companies 511 71.3% 5.4%
Governmental workers 112 15.6% 19.1%
Not for profit companies 45 6.3% -2.2%
Unemployment rate
4.1%
3.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Central City stands at 4.1%, 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 Central City

How people get around in Central City

In Central City, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 78.4% 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.

Commute time
28 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 528 78.4% 3.9%
Walk 11 1.6% 83.3%
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 Central City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
52214 2,761 1,116 $86,786 $109,360

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FAQs about Central City demographics 

What is the total population of Central City?

Central City has a total population of 1,356 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 +7.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Central City?

The gender ratio in Central City is as follows:
  • 52.4% males (711 residents)
  • 47.6% females (645 residents)

What is the median age in Central City?

The median age in Central City is 36.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Central City?

The age distribution in Central City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.6% (307 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.6% (130 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.6% (360 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.4% (318 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (241 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Central City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Central City is as follows:
  • White: 97% (1,316 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: 2.6% (35 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (5 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.6% of the population in Central City.

How many housing units are there in Central City?

There are 576 housing units in Central City, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Central City has a total of 544 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Central City?

Central City has a median household income of $85,400, representing a +4.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Central City?

The employment rate is 95.9% in Central City, with a workforce of 717 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.5% (498 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.5% (219 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.8% (49 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.3% (511 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.6% (112 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.3% (45 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