Cerro Gordo County, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
42,632
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$68,189/yr
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
22,786
0.2% year-over-year change

Cerro Gordo County population

How many people live in Cerro Gordo County

Cerro Gordo County is home to 42,632 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Cerro Gordo County locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
42,632
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
21,053
Female
50.6%
21,579
Value Percent YoY change
Male 21,053 49.4% -0.5%
Female 21,579 50.6% -0.2%
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 Cerro Gordo County is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 17% are children under 15, then 11% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.8% of the population, while another 25.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
44
Age breakdown
Under 15
17%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 44
22.8%
45 to 64
25.6%
Over 65
23.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,260 17% -2.1%
15 to 24 4,689 11% -1.0%
25 to 44 9,727 22.8% 0.2%
45 to 64 10,920 25.6% -1.5%
Over 65 10,036 23.5% 1.9%
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

In Cerro Gordo County, 96.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 89.7% of locals are Caucasian, 2.3% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.6% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 5.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
1.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 41,306 96.9% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 687 1.6% -13.5%
Non-citizens 639 1.5% 28.8%
Racial breakdown
White
89.7%
Black or African American
2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.6%
Two or more races
5.4%
Other
0.7%
Value Percent
White 38,231 89.7%
Black or African American 987 2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 77 0.2%
Asian 499 1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 267 0.6%
Two or more races 2,280 5.4%
Other 291 0.7%

Households in Cerro Gordo County

A peek inside Cerro Gordo County households

Cerro Gordo County has 19,538 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.6% are families, while the remaining 41.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
19,538
0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
8,081
Family households
11,457
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 8,081 41.4% -1.4%
Family households 11,457 58.6% 2.0%
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 Cerro Gordo County

The housing landscape of Cerro Gordo County

Cerro Gordo County's housing consists of 22,786 units, with 76.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.6% 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 3.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
22,786
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 17,424 76.5%
1 unit, attached 582 2.6%
2 units 354 1.6%
3 or 4 units 804 3.5%
5 to 9 units 1,039 4.6%
10 to 19 units 635 2.8%
20 to 49 units 650 2.8%
50 or more units 574 2.5%
Mobile home 724 3.2%
Homes built since 2020
251
28.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cerro Gordo County

In Cerro Gordo County, the median construction year is 1959. About 27.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6,286 27.6% -1.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,698 7.4% -10.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,917 17.2% 9.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,821 8% -8.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,202 14% -6.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,620 7.1% 20.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,481 6.5% -0.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,663 7.3% -1.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 847 3.7% 10.9%
Built in 2020 or later 251 1.1% 28.1%
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.

Cerro Gordo County occupancy rates

Out of the 19,538 occupied housing units in Cerro Gordo County, 70.4% are owner-occupied, while 29.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
19,538
0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,793
Owner occupied
13,745
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,793 29.6% 5.2%
Owner occupied 13,745 70.4% -1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
14.3%
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.

Cerro Gordo County housing costs

Housing costs in Cerro Gordo County come to a median of $906 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $850.

Median housing costs per month
$906/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 Cerro Gordo County
$850/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 Cerro Gordo County

Cerro Gordo County education at a glance

About 39.7% of the population in Cerro Gordo County went to high school, while 21.5% pursued college studies. Another 14.9% earned an associate degree and 15.1% 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 451 1.3% -20.2%
High school diploma 13,414 39.7% -0.7%
College diploma 7,269 21.5% 0.4%
Associate degree 5,033 14.9% 3.4%
Bachelor's degree 5,103 15.1% -1.3%
Graduate degree 2,501 7.4% 1.2%
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 Cerro Gordo County

How much people earn in Cerro Gordo County

The average annual household income in Cerro Gordo County was $92,087 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $68,189, reflecting a +4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cerro Gordo County
$92,087/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cerro Gordo County
$68,189/year
4.0% year-over-year change

Cerro Gordo County income by age

In Cerro Gordo County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $76,764. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $83,459 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $35,556, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $50,066 in earnings. Overall, 89.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $35,556 -26.9%
25 - 44 $76,764 3.4%
45 - 64 $83,459 11.5%
Over 65 $50,066 4.3%
Above poverty level
36,803
Below poverty level
4,357
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 36,803 89.4% -1.7%
Below poverty level 4,357 10.6% 12.8%

Employment in Cerro Gordo County

Workforce and job types in Cerro Gordo County

The job market in Cerro Gordo County is powered by 21,452 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.1% run their own businesses, 66.6% are employed by private companies, and 11.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
21,452
-2.3% year-over-year change
White collar
15,292
Blue collar
6,160
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 15,292 71.3% -3.2%
Blue collar 6,160 28.7% -0.1%
Employer type
Self employees
10.1%
Private companies
66.6%
Governmental workers
11.2%
Not for profit companies
12.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,172 10.1% -1.1%
Private companies 14,286 66.6% -2.9%
Governmental workers 2,403 11.2% -11.4%
Not for profit companies 2,591 12.1% 10.6%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
-2.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cerro Gordo County stands at 2.6%, 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 Cerro Gordo County

How people get around in Cerro Gordo County

In Cerro Gordo County, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 87.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
16 min
-1.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 18,489 87.7% -2.8%
Taxicab 16 0.1% -23.8%
Bus or trolleybus 162 0.8% 25.6%
Motorcycle 2 0% -92.3%
Bicycle 70 0.3% -4.1%
Walk 688 3.3% 38.1%
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 Cerro Gordo County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50467 63 24 $63,750 $66,404
50468 1,617 653 $73,403 $127,400
50469 1,527 635 $71,250 $87,237
50401 28,703 13,321 $66,072 $83,040
50428 9,071 4,186 $81,037 $121,696
50433 157 56 $69,167 $65,645
50434 396 248 $0 $53,334
50457 463 171 $47,250 $69,333
50458 2,094 794 $99,643 $109,996
50464 694 277 $91,750 $123,331

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Cerro Gordo County demographics 

What is the total population of Cerro Gordo County?

Cerro Gordo County has a total population of 42,632 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cerro Gordo County?

The gender ratio in Cerro Gordo County is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (21,053 residents)
  • 50.6% females (21,579 residents)

What is the median age in Cerro Gordo County?

The median age in Cerro Gordo County is 44.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cerro Gordo County?

The age distribution in Cerro Gordo County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17% (7,260 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11% (4,689 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.8% (9,727 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.6% (10,920 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.5% (10,036 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cerro Gordo County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cerro Gordo County is as follows:
  • White: 89.7% (38,231 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.3% (987 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (77 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (499 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.6% (267 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.4% (2,280 residents)
  • Other: 0.7% (291 residents)

What percentage of the population in Cerro Gordo County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.9% of the population in Cerro Gordo County.

How many housing units are there in Cerro Gordo County?

There are 22,786 housing units in Cerro Gordo County, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Cerro Gordo County and what is the average household size?

Cerro Gordo County has a total of 19,538 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cerro Gordo County?

Cerro Gordo County has a median household income of $68,189, representing a +4.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Cerro Gordo County?

The employment rate is 97.4% in Cerro Gordo County, with a workforce of 21,452 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.3% (15,292 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.7% (6,160 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.1% (2,172 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.6% (14,286 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.2% (2,403 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.1% (2,591 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