Chelsea, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
404
18.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$40,313/yr
25.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
131
-15.5% year-over-year change

Chelsea population

How many people live in Chelsea

Chelsea is home to 404 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 57.4% of Chelsea locals are male, and 42.6% are female.

Total population
404
18.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
57.4%
232
Female
42.6%
172
Value Percent YoY change
Male 232 57.4% 19.6%
Female 172 42.6% 16.2%
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 Chelsea is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 37.6% are children under 15, then 5.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 38.4% of the population, while another 8.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 9.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
31.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
37.6%
15 to 24
5.9%
25 to 44
38.4%
45 to 64
8.2%
Over 65
9.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 152 37.6% 61.7%
15 to 24 24 5.9% -4.0%
25 to 44 155 38.4% -2.5%
45 to 64 33 8.2% -15.4%
Over 65 40 9.9% 60.0%
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 Chelsea, 79% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 15.1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 45.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
79%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.9%
Non-citizens
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 319 79% 24.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 24 5.9% -4.0%
Non-citizens 61 15.1% 1.7%
Racial breakdown
White
45.5%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
45.8%
Other
8.4%
Value Percent
White 184 45.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0.2%
Two or more races 185 45.8%
Other 34 8.4%

Households in Chelsea

A peek inside Chelsea households

Chelsea has 109 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 69.7% are families, while the remaining 30.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
109
-14.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
33
Family households
76
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 33 30.3% -34.0%
Family households 76 69.7% -1.3%
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 Chelsea

The housing landscape of Chelsea

Chelsea's housing consists of 131 units, with 99.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
131
-15.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 130 99.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 1 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chelsea

In Chelsea, the median construction year is 1938. About 63.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.2% 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 83 63.4% -13.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 12 9.2% -20.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 9 6.9% -10.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3 2.3% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3 2.3% 50.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 18 13.7% -14.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3 2.3% 0.0%
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.

Chelsea occupancy rates

Out of the 109 occupied housing units in Chelsea, 96.3% are owner-occupied, while 3.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
109
-14.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4
Owner occupied
105
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4 3.7% -42.9%
Owner occupied 105 96.3% -12.5%
Unoccupied housing units
16.8%
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.

Chelsea housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$573/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.

Education in Chelsea

Chelsea education at a glance

About 56.6% of the population in Chelsea went to high school, while 6.9% pursued college studies. Another 7.7% earned an associate degree and 5.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 52 22.3% 62.5%
High school diploma 132 56.6% -7.7%
College diploma 16 6.9% -15.8%
Associate degree 18 7.7% -21.7%
Bachelor's degree 12 5.2% 9.1%
Graduate degree 3 1.3% 50.0%
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 Chelsea

How much people earn in Chelsea

The average annual household income in Chelsea was $65,449 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +54.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $40,313, reflecting a +25.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chelsea
$65,449/year
54.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chelsea
$40,313/year
25.2% year-over-year change

Chelsea income by age

In Chelsea, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $32,500. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $45,625 overall. Overall, 74.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $32,500 5.4%
45 - 64 $45,625 N/A
Over 65 $43,125 2.2%
Above poverty level
302
Below poverty level
102
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 302 74.8% 37.3%
Below poverty level 102 25.2% -16.4%

Employment in Chelsea

Workforce and job types in Chelsea

The job market in Chelsea is powered by 150 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 16% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 84% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.7% run their own businesses, 90% are employed by private companies, and 5.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
150
6.4% year-over-year change
White collar
24
Blue collar
126
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 24 16% -14.3%
Blue collar 126 84% 11.5%
Employer type
Self employees
4.7%
Private companies
90%
Governmental workers
5.3%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7 4.7% -12.5%
Private companies 135 90% 8.9%
Governmental workers 8 5.3% -11.1%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
-20.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chelsea 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 Chelsea

How people get around in Chelsea

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 127 95.5% 15.4%
Ferryboat 1 0.8% -80.0%
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 Chelsea by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
52215 960 367 $61,932 $82,693

Explore more communities

FAQs about Chelsea demographics 

What is the total population of Chelsea?

Chelsea has a total population of 404 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 +18.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chelsea?

The gender ratio in Chelsea is as follows:
  • 57.4% males (232 residents)
  • 42.6% females (172 residents)

What is the median age in Chelsea?

The median age in Chelsea is 31.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chelsea?

The age distribution in Chelsea is as follows:
  • Under 15: 37.6% (152 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.9% (24 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 38.4% (155 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 8.2% (33 residents)
  • Over 65: 9.9% (40 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chelsea?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chelsea is as follows:
  • White: 45.5% (184 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 45.8% (185 residents)
  • Other: 8.4% (34 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 79% of the population in Chelsea.

How many housing units are there in Chelsea?

There are 131 housing units in Chelsea, reflecting a -15.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Chelsea has a total of 109 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chelsea?

Chelsea has a median household income of $40,313, representing a +25.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.4% in Chelsea, with a workforce of 150 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 16% (24 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 84% (126 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.7% (7 residents)
  • Private companies: 90% (135 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 5.3% (8 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% (0 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