Creston, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,435
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,633/yr
3.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,765
-1.5% year-over-year change

Creston population

How many people live in Creston

Creston is home to 7,435 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Creston locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
7,435
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
3,675
Female
50.6%
3,760
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,675 49.4% 4.5%
Female 3,760 50.6% -4.8%
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 Creston is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.5% are children under 15, then 17.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.9% of the population, while another 23.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.5%
15 to 24
17.6%
25 to 44
22.9%
45 to 64
23.3%
Over 65
19.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,227 16.5% -1.8%
15 to 24 1,312 17.6% -0.6%
25 to 44 1,702 22.9% 3.5%
45 to 64 1,730 23.3% -1.4%
Over 65 1,464 19.7% -2.3%
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 Creston, 98% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.8% of locals are Caucasian, 2.3% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
1.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,290 98% -2.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 19 0.3% 35.7%
Non-citizens 126 1.7% 950.0%
Racial breakdown
White
92.8%
Black or African American
2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.6%
Other
0.9%
Value Percent
White 6,902 92.8%
Black or African American 171 2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 15 0.2%
Asian 86 1.2%
Two or more races 193 2.6%
Other 68 0.9%

Households in Creston

A peek inside Creston households

Creston has 3,358 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.2% are families, while the remaining 50.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,358
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,705
Family households
1,653
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,705 50.8% 6.2%
Family households 1,653 49.2% -4.7%
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 Creston

The housing landscape of Creston

Creston's housing consists of 3,765 units, with 71.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1% 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 3.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,765
-1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,695 71.6%
1 unit, attached 36 1%
2 units 49 1.3%
3 or 4 units 350 9.3%
5 to 9 units 150 4%
10 to 19 units 74 2%
20 to 49 units 125 3.3%
50 or more units 141 3.8%
Mobile home 145 3.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Creston

In Creston, the median construction year is 1961. About 36% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.2% 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 1,355 36% -12.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 194 5.2% 113.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 300 8% 12.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 359 9.5% -13.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 617 16.4% 11.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 356 9.5% 1.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 187 5% -32.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 264 7% 24.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 133 3.5% 30.4%
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.

Creston occupancy rates

Out of the 3,358 occupied housing units in Creston, 64.4% are owner-occupied, while 35.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,358
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,197
Owner occupied
2,161
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,197 35.6% 4.1%
Owner occupied 2,161 64.4% -1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
10.8%
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.

Creston housing costs

Housing costs in Creston come to a median of $793 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $703.

Median housing costs per month
$793/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 Creston
$703/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 Creston

Creston education at a glance

About 43.9% of the population in Creston went to high school, while 24.2% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 15.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 45 0.8% 125.0%
High school diploma 2,569 43.9% 7.5%
College diploma 1,416 24.2% -10.7%
Associate degree 570 9.7% 8.4%
Bachelor's degree 918 15.7% -1.9%
Graduate degree 334 5.7% 0.0%
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 Creston

How much people earn in Creston

The average annual household income in Creston was $61,447 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,633, reflecting a +3.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Creston
$61,447/year
-3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Creston
$52,633/year
3.7% year-over-year change

Creston income by age

In Creston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $76,094. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $41,250 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $61,525, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,826 in earnings. Overall, 84.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $61,525 5.2%
25 - 44 $76,094 9.7%
45 - 64 $41,250 -8.6%
Over 65 $38,826 -3.5%
Above poverty level
6,005
Below poverty level
1,129
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,005 84.2% -0.3%
Below poverty level 1,129 15.8% -2.0%

Average renter income in Creston

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Creston, their median household income was $27,285 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,285
Rent-to-income ratio
30.9%
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 Creston

Workforce and job types in Creston

The job market in Creston is powered by 3,311 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 63.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12% run their own businesses, 66.9% are employed by private companies, and 11.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,311
-3.9% year-over-year change
White collar
2,105
Blue collar
1,206
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,105 63.6% -6.4%
Blue collar 1,206 36.4% 0.8%
Employer type
Self employees
12%
Private companies
66.9%
Governmental workers
11.4%
Not for profit companies
9.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 397 12% 5.3%
Private companies 2,215 66.9% -1.2%
Governmental workers 376 11.4% -30.9%
Not for profit companies 323 9.8% 14.1%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
-13.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Creston stands at 3.6%, 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 Creston

How people get around in Creston

In Creston, the average commute time is 12 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 91.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
12 min
0.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,983 91.4% 0.2%
Walk 208 6.4% -21.8%
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 Creston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50801 9,034 3,964 $58,015 $70,914

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FAQs about Creston demographics 

What is the total population of Creston?

Creston has a total population of 7,435 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Creston?

The gender ratio in Creston is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (3,675 residents)
  • 50.6% females (3,760 residents)

What is the median age in Creston?

The median age in Creston is 39.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Creston?

The age distribution in Creston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.5% (1,227 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.6% (1,312 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.9% (1,702 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.3% (1,730 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.7% (1,464 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Creston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Creston is as follows:
  • White: 92.8% (6,902 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.3% (171 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (15 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (86 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.6% (193 residents)
  • Other: 0.9% (68 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98% of the population in Creston.

How many housing units are there in Creston?

There are 3,765 housing units in Creston, reflecting a -1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Creston has a total of 3,358 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Creston?

Creston has a median household income of $52,633, representing a +3.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.4% in Creston, with a workforce of 3,311 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.6% (2,105 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.4% (1,206 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12% (397 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.9% (2,215 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.4% (376 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.8% (323 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