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

Total population
7,232
-1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,180/yr
4.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,703
2.3% year-over-year change

Charles City population

How many people live in Charles City

Charles City is home to 7,232 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.6% of Charles City locals are male, and 51.4% are female.

Total population
7,232
-1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
3,514
Female
51.4%
3,718
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,514 48.6% -1.9%
Female 3,718 51.4% -0.6%
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 Charles City is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.8% are children under 15, then 13.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.4% of the population, while another 22.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.8%
15 to 24
13.4%
25 to 44
23.4%
45 to 64
22.9%
Over 65
23.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,215 16.8% 1.1%
15 to 24 971 13.4% 0.9%
25 to 44 1,690 23.4% -1.1%
45 to 64 1,654 22.9% -2.8%
Over 65 1,702 23.5% -2.6%
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 Charles City, 95.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 87.7% of locals are Caucasian, 2% are African American and 3.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.2%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,932 95.8% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 300 4.2% -21.5%
Racial breakdown
White
87.7%
Black or African American
2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
3.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
6.7%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 6,341 87.7%
Black or African American 145 2%
Asian 234 3.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 10 0.1%
Two or more races 485 6.7%
Other 17 0.2%

Households in Charles City

A peek inside Charles City households

Charles City has 3,223 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.3% are families, while the remaining 47.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,223
-1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,537
Family households
1,686
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,537 47.7% -3.3%
Family households 1,686 52.3% 0.5%
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 Charles City

The housing landscape of Charles City

Charles City's housing consists of 3,703 units, with 77.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
3,703
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,878 77.7%
1 unit, attached 54 1.5%
2 units 22 0.6%
3 or 4 units 345 9.3%
5 to 9 units 42 1.1%
10 to 19 units 147 4%
20 to 49 units 190 5.1%
50 or more units 25 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
48
84.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Charles City

In Charles City, the median construction year is 1960. About 28.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,050 28.4% 10.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 183 4.9% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 605 16.3% 17.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 942 25.4% 11.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 560 15.1% -26.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 35 1% -5.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 113 3% -5.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 129 3.5% -20.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 38 1% 72.7%
Built in 2020 or later 48 1.3% 84.6%
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.

Charles City occupancy rates

Out of the 3,223 occupied housing units in Charles City, 67.9% are owner-occupied, while 32.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,223
-1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,035
Owner occupied
2,188
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,035 32.1% -7.4%
Owner occupied 2,188 67.9% 1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
13.0%
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.

Charles City housing costs

Housing costs in Charles City come to a median of $747 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $735.

Median housing costs per month
$747/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 Charles City
$735/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 Charles City

Charles City education at a glance

About 44.6% of the population in Charles City went to high school, while 23.5% pursued college studies. Another 16.9% earned an associate degree and 9.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 178 3.2% -9.2%
High school diploma 2,516 44.6% 1.0%
College diploma 1,326 23.5% -0.5%
Associate degree 952 16.9% 10.4%
Bachelor's degree 513 9.1% -12.9%
Graduate degree 152 2.7% -33.3%
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 Charles City

How much people earn in Charles City

The average annual household income in Charles City was $65,875 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $59,180, reflecting a +4.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Charles City
$65,875/year
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Charles City
$59,180/year
4.3% year-over-year change

Charles City income by age

In Charles City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $69,904. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,542 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $14,128, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $45,526 in earnings. Overall, 86.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $14,128 19.9%
25 - 44 $69,904 6.2%
45 - 64 $68,542 -1.3%
Over 65 $45,526 11.8%
Above poverty level
6,059
Below poverty level
943
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,059 86.5% -0.6%
Below poverty level 943 13.5% 0.6%

Employment in Charles City

Workforce and job types in Charles City

The job market in Charles City is powered by 3,426 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.8% run their own businesses, 66.7% are employed by private companies, and 17.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,426
-1.3% year-over-year change
White collar
2,240
Blue collar
1,186
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,240 65.4% -6.5%
Blue collar 1,186 34.6% 10.1%
Employer type
Self employees
9.8%
Private companies
66.7%
Governmental workers
17.6%
Not for profit companies
5.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 334 9.8% -35.3%
Private companies 2,286 66.7% 3.7%
Governmental workers 603 17.6% 6.9%
Not for profit companies 203 5.9% 8.0%
Unemployment rate
4.6%
-6.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Charles City stands at 4.6%, 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 Charles City

How people get around in Charles City

Commuting methods vary: 93.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% 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 3,068 93.2% 3.3%
Walk 40 1.2% 2.6%
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 Charles City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50616 9,358 4,127 $64,830 $76,455

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FAQs about Charles City demographics 

What is the total population of Charles City?

Charles City has a total population of 7,232 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 -1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Charles City?

The gender ratio in Charles City is as follows:
  • 48.6% males (3,514 residents)
  • 51.4% females (3,718 residents)

What is the median age in Charles City?

The median age in Charles City is 42.

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

The age distribution in Charles City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.8% (1,215 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.4% (971 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.4% (1,690 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.9% (1,654 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.5% (1,702 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Charles City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Charles City is as follows:
  • White: 87.7% (6,341 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2% (145 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 3.2% (234 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (10 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.7% (485 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (17 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.8% of the population in Charles City.

How many housing units are there in Charles City?

There are 3,703 housing units in Charles City, reflecting a +2.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Charles City has a total of 3,223 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Charles City?

Charles City has a median household income of $59,180, representing a +4.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.4% in Charles City, with a workforce of 3,426 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.4% (2,240 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.6% (1,186 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.8% (334 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.7% (2,286 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.6% (603 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.9% (203 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