Clarion, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,770
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$64,625/yr
10.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,512
0.3% year-over-year change

Clarion population

How many people live in Clarion

Clarion is home to 2,770 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.4% of Clarion locals are male, and 47.6% are female.

Total population
2,770
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.4%
1,451
Female
47.6%
1,319
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,451 52.4% 3.7%
Female 1,319 47.6% -4.1%
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 Clarion is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.2% are children under 15, then 13.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.4% of the population, while another 29.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.2%
15 to 24
13.8%
25 to 44
22.4%
45 to 64
29.1%
Over 65
19.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 421 15.2% -9.3%
15 to 24 383 13.8% -12.4%
25 to 44 620 22.4% 6.9%
45 to 64 807 29.1% 3.5%
Over 65 539 19.5% 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 Clarion, 94% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 79.4% of locals are Caucasian, 0.1% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
4.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,603 94% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 34 1.2% -44.3%
Non-citizens 133 4.8% -6.3%
Racial breakdown
White
79.4%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.6%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10%
Other
8.4%
Value Percent
White 2,199 79.4%
Black or African American 3 0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 45 1.6%
Asian 12 0.4%
Two or more races 278 10%
Other 233 8.4%

Households in Clarion

A peek inside Clarion households

Clarion has 1,319 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.1% are families, while the remaining 42.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,319
-1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
566
Family households
753
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 566 42.9% -4.4%
Family households 753 57.1% 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 Clarion

The housing landscape of Clarion

Clarion's housing consists of 1,512 units, with 76.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.9% 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 2.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,512
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,157 76.5%
1 unit, attached 29 1.9%
2 units 18 1.2%
3 or 4 units 96 6.4%
5 to 9 units 51 3.4%
10 to 19 units 51 3.4%
20 to 49 units 68 4.5%
50 or more units 6 0.4%
Mobile home 36 2.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Clarion

In Clarion, the median construction year is 1965. About 23.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.3% 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 351 23.2% -10.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 156 10.3% -0.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 181 12% 7.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 129 8.5% -18.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 294 19.4% 26.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 113 7.5% 32.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 151 10% 9.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 107 7.1% -26.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 30 2% -9.1%
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.

Clarion occupancy rates

Out of the 1,319 occupied housing units in Clarion, 70% are owner-occupied, while 30% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,319
-1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
396
Owner occupied
923
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 396 30% -12.8%
Owner occupied 923 70% 4.1%
Unoccupied housing units
12.8%
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.

Clarion housing costs

Housing costs in Clarion come to a median of $778 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $763.

Median housing costs per month
$778/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 Clarion
$763/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 Clarion

Clarion education at a glance

About 31.9% of the population in Clarion went to high school, while 30.2% pursued college studies. Another 7.5% earned an associate degree and 14.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 130 5.8% 136.4%
High school diploma 714 31.9% -4.8%
College diploma 675 30.2% -0.6%
Associate degree 168 7.5% -5.1%
Bachelor's degree 323 14.4% -9.0%
Graduate degree 226 10.1% 25.6%
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 Clarion

How much people earn in Clarion

The average annual household income in Clarion was $91,432 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +11% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $64,625, reflecting a +10.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Clarion
$91,432/year
11.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Clarion
$64,625/year
10.1% year-over-year change

Clarion income by age

In Clarion, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $70,682. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $91,094 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $66,615, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,694 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 $66,615 14.5%
25 - 44 $70,682 33.9%
45 - 64 $91,094 3.0%
Over 65 $40,694 10.2%
Above poverty level
2,392
Below poverty level
284
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,392 89.4% 4.2%
Below poverty level 284 10.6% -17.4%

Average renter income in Clarion

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Clarion, their median household income was $29,221 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$29,221
Rent-to-income ratio
31.3%
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 Clarion

Workforce and job types in Clarion

The job market in Clarion is powered by 1,488 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 56.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 43.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.3% run their own businesses, 75.8% are employed by private companies, and 14.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,488
1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
837
Blue collar
651
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 837 56.2% 7.9%
Blue collar 651 43.8% -6.2%
Employer type
Self employees
4.3%
Private companies
75.8%
Governmental workers
14.3%
Not for profit companies
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 64 4.3% -14.7%
Private companies 1,128 75.8% 6.3%
Governmental workers 213 14.3% -11.6%
Not for profit companies 83 5.6% -10.8%
Unemployment rate
2.3%
40.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Clarion stands at 2.3%, 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 Clarion

How people get around in Clarion

Commuting methods vary: 91.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.5% 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 1,360 91.6% 2.0%
Bus or trolleybus 5 0.3% -16.7%
Motorcycle 9 0.6% -10.0%
Walk 22 1.5% -18.5%
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 Clarion by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50525 3,179 1,515 $67,250 $100,446

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FAQs about Clarion demographics 

What is the total population of Clarion?

Clarion has a total population of 2,770 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Clarion?

The gender ratio in Clarion is as follows:
  • 52.4% males (1,451 residents)
  • 47.6% females (1,319 residents)

What is the median age in Clarion?

The median age in Clarion is 41.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Clarion?

The age distribution in Clarion is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.2% (421 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.8% (383 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.4% (620 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.1% (807 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.5% (539 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Clarion?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Clarion is as follows:
  • White: 79.4% (2,199 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.6% (45 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (12 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10% (278 residents)
  • Other: 8.4% (233 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94% of the population in Clarion.

How many housing units are there in Clarion?

There are 1,512 housing units in Clarion, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Clarion has a total of 1,319 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Clarion?

Clarion has a median household income of $64,625, representing a +10.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.7% in Clarion, with a workforce of 1,488 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 56.2% (837 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 43.8% (651 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.3% (64 residents)
  • Private companies: 75.8% (1,128 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.3% (213 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.6% (83 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