Cresco, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,908
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,608/yr
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,789
-0.3% year-over-year change

Cresco population

How many people live in Cresco

Cresco is home to 3,908 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Cresco locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
3,908
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
1,912
Female
51.1%
1,996
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,912 48.9% -1.8%
Female 1,996 51.1% 2.1%
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 Cresco is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 9.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27% of the population, while another 22.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
9.3%
25 to 44
27%
45 to 64
22.2%
Over 65
21.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 791 20.2% 8.2%
15 to 24 363 9.3% -12.9%
25 to 44 1,057 27% 3.9%
45 to 64 869 22.2% -6.2%
Over 65 828 21.2% 2.2%
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 Cresco, 96.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.7%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,787 96.9% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 65 1.7% -18.8%
Non-citizens 56 1.4% 194.7%
Racial breakdown
White
93.6%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.9%
Other
3.1%
Value Percent
White 3,656 93.6%
Black or African American 4 0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 11 0.3%
Asian 2 0%
Two or more races 115 2.9%
Other 120 3.1%

Households in Cresco

A peek inside Cresco households

Cresco has 1,598 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.9% are families, while the remaining 34.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,598
5.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
545
Family households
1,053
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 545 34.1% 1.3%
Family households 1,053 65.9% 7.7%
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 Cresco

The housing landscape of Cresco

Cresco's housing consists of 1,789 units, with 86% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.8% 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 1.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,789
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,538 86%
1 unit, attached 15 0.8%
2 units 84 4.7%
3 or 4 units 45 2.5%
5 to 9 units 45 2.5%
10 to 19 units 20 1.1%
20 to 49 units 11 0.6%
Mobile home 31 1.7%
Homes built since 2020
11
22.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cresco

In Cresco, the median construction year is 1962. About 37.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 668 37.3% -6.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 148 8.3% -35.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 40 2.2% -46.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 244 13.6% 19.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 375 21% 30.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 63 3.5% -41.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 102 5.7% 50.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 85 4.8% 6.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 53 3% 194.4%
Built in 2020 or later 11 0.6% 22.2%
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.

Cresco occupancy rates

Out of the 1,598 occupied housing units in Cresco, 75% are owner-occupied, while 25% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,598
5.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
400
Owner occupied
1,198
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 400 25% -8.9%
Owner occupied 1,198 75% 11.2%
Unoccupied housing units
10.7%
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.

Cresco housing costs

Housing costs in Cresco come to a median of $749 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $715.

Median housing costs per month
$749/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 Cresco
$715/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 Cresco

Cresco education at a glance

About 45.1% of the population in Cresco went to high school, while 17.9% pursued college studies. Another 15% earned an associate degree and 15.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 44 1.5% 12.8%
High school diploma 1,340 45.1% -10.2%
College diploma 532 17.9% 3.5%
Associate degree 445 15% 8.5%
Bachelor's degree 472 15.9% 16.8%
Graduate degree 137 4.6% -14.9%
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 Cresco

How much people earn in Cresco

The average annual household income in Cresco was $70,989 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $60,608, reflecting a -0.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cresco
$70,989/year
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cresco
$60,608/year
-0.3% year-over-year change

Cresco income by age

In Cresco, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $79,141. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $61,284 overall. Overall, 86.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $79,141 14.2%
45 - 64 $61,284 -7.5%
Over 65 $48,000 3.6%
Above poverty level
3,250
Below poverty level
491
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,250 86.9% -1.5%
Below poverty level 491 13.1% 20.1%

Average renter income in Cresco

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cresco, their median household income was $38,264 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 22.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$38,264
Rent-to-income ratio
22.4%
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 Cresco

Workforce and job types in Cresco

The job market in Cresco is powered by 1,922 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 63% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 37% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.1% run their own businesses, 64.9% are employed by private companies, and 14.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,922
-3.9% year-over-year change
White collar
1,210
Blue collar
712
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,210 63% 2.3%
Blue collar 712 37% -12.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7.1%
Private companies
64.9%
Governmental workers
14.5%
Not for profit companies
13.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 137 7.1% 17.1%
Private companies 1,248 64.9% -4.9%
Governmental workers 278 14.5% -12.8%
Not for profit companies 259 13.5% 3.2%
Unemployment rate
1.2%
380.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cresco stands at 1.2%, 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 Cresco

How people get around in Cresco

In Cresco, the average commute time is 18 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 86.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
18 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,624 86.1% -5.0%
Bicycle 30 1.6% 200.0%
Walk 64 3.4% 4.9%
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 Cresco by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
52136 5,840 2,373 $70,778 $91,610

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FAQs about Cresco demographics 

What is the total population of Cresco?

Cresco has a total population of 3,908 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 Cresco?

The gender ratio in Cresco is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (1,912 residents)
  • 51.1% females (1,996 residents)

What is the median age in Cresco?

The median age in Cresco is 38.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cresco?

The age distribution in Cresco is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (791 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.3% (363 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27% (1,057 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.2% (869 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.2% (828 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cresco?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cresco is as follows:
  • White: 93.6% (3,656 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (4 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (11 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (2 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.9% (115 residents)
  • Other: 3.1% (120 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.9% of the population in Cresco.

How many housing units are there in Cresco?

There are 1,789 housing units in Cresco, 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 Cresco and what is the average household size?

Cresco has a total of 1,598 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cresco?

Cresco has a median household income of $60,608, representing a -0.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.8% in Cresco, with a workforce of 1,922 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63% (1,210 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 37% (712 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.1% (137 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.9% (1,248 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.5% (278 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.5% (259 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