Cherokee, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,154
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,750/yr
26.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,379
0.5% year-over-year change

Cherokee population

How many people live in Cherokee

Cherokee is home to 5,154 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.6% of Cherokee locals are male, and 51.4% are female.

Total population
5,154
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
2,503
Female
51.4%
2,651
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,503 48.6% 1.4%
Female 2,651 51.4% -1.4%
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 Cherokee is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.3% are children under 15, then 8.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.7% of the population, while another 23.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.3%
15 to 24
8.8%
25 to 44
25.7%
45 to 64
23.1%
Over 65
23.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 994 19.3% 6.4%
15 to 24 454 8.8% -16.5%
25 to 44 1,326 25.7% 12.8%
45 to 64 1,191 23.1% -5.0%
Over 65 1,189 23.1% -4.9%
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 Cherokee, 93% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86% of locals are Caucasian, 2.1% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3%
Non-citizens
3.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,796 93% -1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 157 3% 101.3%
Non-citizens 201 3.9% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
86%
Black or African American
2.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.9%
Other
1.3%
Value Percent
White 4,431 86%
Black or African American 107 2.1%
Asian 39 0.8%
Two or more races 510 9.9%
Other 67 1.3%

Households in Cherokee

A peek inside Cherokee households

Cherokee has 2,289 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.4% are families, while the remaining 45.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,289
-0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,044
Family households
1,245
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,044 45.6% -3.1%
Family households 1,245 54.4% 2.6%
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 Cherokee

The housing landscape of Cherokee

Cherokee's housing consists of 2,379 units, with 76.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% 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 1.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,379
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,827 76.8%
1 unit, attached 38 1.6%
2 units 85 3.6%
3 or 4 units 61 2.6%
5 to 9 units 28 1.2%
10 to 19 units 100 4.2%
20 to 49 units 202 8.5%
Mobile home 38 1.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cherokee

In Cherokee, the median construction year is 1963. About 27.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.6% 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 645 27.1% -5.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 181 7.6% 8.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 248 10.4% -16.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 365 15.3% -6.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 616 25.9% 21.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 149 6.3% 19.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 22 0.9% -81.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 81 3.4% 20.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 72 3% 323.5%
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.

Cherokee occupancy rates

Out of the 2,289 occupied housing units in Cherokee, 67.8% are owner-occupied, while 32.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,289
-0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
738
Owner occupied
1,551
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 738 32.2% -11.0%
Owner occupied 1,551 67.8% 6.2%
Unoccupied housing units
3.8%
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.

Cherokee housing costs

Housing costs in Cherokee come to a median of $801 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $728.

Median housing costs per month
$801/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 Cherokee
$728/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 Cherokee

Cherokee education at a glance

About 44.4% of the population in Cherokee went to high school, while 17.6% pursued college studies. Another 13.1% earned an associate degree and 13.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 84 2.1% -4.5%
High school diploma 1,776 44.4% -9.2%
College diploma 706 17.6% -4.0%
Associate degree 523 13.1% 2.8%
Bachelor's degree 553 13.8% 37.2%
Graduate degree 358 9% 32.1%
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 Cherokee

How much people earn in Cherokee

The average annual household income in Cherokee was $86,635 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +23.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,750, reflecting a +26.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cherokee
$86,635/year
23.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cherokee
$61,750/year
26.8% year-over-year change

Cherokee income by age

In Cherokee, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $90,938. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $61,061 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $39,963, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $46,321 in earnings. Overall, 81.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $39,963 -6.0%
25 - 44 $90,938 26.6%
45 - 64 $61,061 29.2%
Over 65 $46,321 29.1%
Above poverty level
3,985
Below poverty level
891
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,985 81.7% 12.7%
Below poverty level 891 18.3% -30.8%

Average renter income in Cherokee

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cherokee, their median household income was $25,139 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$25,139
Rent-to-income ratio
34.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Cherokee

Workforce and job types in Cherokee

The job market in Cherokee is powered by 2,600 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.1% run their own businesses, 60.6% are employed by private companies, and 15.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,600
3.3% year-over-year change
White collar
1,750
Blue collar
850
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,750 67.3% 2.3%
Blue collar 850 32.7% 5.5%
Employer type
Self employees
14.1%
Private companies
60.6%
Governmental workers
15.1%
Not for profit companies
10.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 367 14.1% 9.9%
Private companies 1,577 60.6% -0.9%
Governmental workers 393 15.1% -10.9%
Not for profit companies 263 10.1% 75.3%
Unemployment rate
2.4%
-14.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cherokee stands at 2.4%, 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 Cherokee

How people get around in Cherokee

Commuting methods vary: 86.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.9% 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 2,217 86.8% -1.0%
Bus or trolleybus 44 1.7% 15.8%
Walk 75 2.9% 70.5%
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 Cherokee by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51012 6,311 2,752 $69,531 $92,962

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Cherokee demographics 

What is the total population of Cherokee?

Cherokee has a total population of 5,154 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 -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cherokee?

The gender ratio in Cherokee is as follows:
  • 48.6% males (2,503 residents)
  • 51.4% females (2,651 residents)

What is the median age in Cherokee?

The median age in Cherokee is 43.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cherokee?

The age distribution in Cherokee is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.3% (994 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.8% (454 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.7% (1,326 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.1% (1,191 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.1% (1,189 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cherokee?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cherokee is as follows:
  • White: 86% (4,431 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.1% (107 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (39 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.9% (510 residents)
  • Other: 1.3% (67 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93% of the population in Cherokee.

How many housing units are there in Cherokee?

There are 2,379 housing units in Cherokee, 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 Cherokee and what is the average household size?

Cherokee has a total of 2,289 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cherokee?

Cherokee has a median household income of $61,750, representing a +26.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.6% in Cherokee, with a workforce of 2,600 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.3% (1,750 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.7% (850 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.1% (367 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.6% (1,577 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.1% (393 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.1% (263 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