Denison, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,260
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,684/yr
2.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,251
2.0% year-over-year change

Denison population

How many people live in Denison

Denison is home to 8,260 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.7% of Denison locals are male, and 49.3% are female.

Total population
8,260
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.7%
4,190
Female
49.3%
4,070
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,190 50.7% 3.8%
Female 4,070 49.3% -3.4%
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 Denison is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 21% are children under 15, then 16.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.2% of the population, while another 23.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
21%
15 to 24
16.7%
25 to 44
25.2%
45 to 64
23.7%
Over 65
13.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,737 21% -6.4%
15 to 24 1,381 16.7% 2.6%
25 to 44 2,077 25.2% 2.3%
45 to 64 1,956 23.7% 1.7%
Over 65 1,109 13.4% 1.5%
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 Denison, 68% of the population are US-born citizens, while 15.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 16.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 50.2% of locals are Caucasian, 1.6% are African American and 3.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 25.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
68%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
15.5%
Non-citizens
16.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,618 68% -4.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,281 15.5% -8.3%
Non-citizens 1,361 16.5% 37.6%
Racial breakdown
White
50.2%
Black or African American
1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
3.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
25.6%
Other
18.5%
Value Percent
White 4,146 50.2%
Black or African American 133 1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 65 0.8%
Asian 274 3.3%
Two or more races 2,111 25.6%
Other 1,531 18.5%

Households in Denison

A peek inside Denison households

Denison has 3,091 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 70.7% are families, while the remaining 29.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,091
3.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
907
Family households
2,184
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 907 29.3% 7.7%
Family households 2,184 70.7% 1.4%
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 Denison

The housing landscape of Denison

Denison's housing consists of 3,251 units, with 65.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.8% 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 5.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,251
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,116 65.1%
1 unit, attached 220 6.8%
2 units 195 6%
3 or 4 units 205 6.3%
5 to 9 units 72 2.2%
10 to 19 units 61 1.9%
20 to 49 units 185 5.7%
50 or more units 30 0.9%
Mobile home 167 5.1%
Homes built since 2020
73
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Denison

In Denison, the median construction year is 1974. About 17.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 564 17.4% -1.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 130 4% -16.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 157 4.8% -44.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 316 9.7% 20.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,057 32.5% 11.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 375 11.5% -27.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 342 10.5% 55.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 137 4.2% 8.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 100 3.1% 8.7%
Built in 2020 or later 73 2.2% N/A
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.

Denison occupancy rates

Out of the 3,091 occupied housing units in Denison, 71.3% are owner-occupied, while 28.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,091
3.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
886
Owner occupied
2,205
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 886 28.7% 14.0%
Owner occupied 2,205 71.3% -0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
4.9%
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.

Denison housing costs

Housing costs in Denison come to a median of $805 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $731.

Median housing costs per month
$805/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 Denison
$731/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 Denison

Denison education at a glance

About 47.6% of the population in Denison went to high school, while 19.4% pursued college studies. Another 6.4% earned an associate degree and 11.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 697 11.4% 39.4%
High school diploma 2,904 47.6% 3.2%
College diploma 1,181 19.4% -3.3%
Associate degree 388 6.4% -10.0%
Bachelor's degree 691 11.3% -9.2%
Graduate degree 238 3.9% 22.7%
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 Denison

How much people earn in Denison

The average annual household income in Denison was $80,818 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 $65,684, reflecting a +2.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Denison
$80,818/year
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Denison
$65,684/year
2.9% year-over-year change

Denison income by age

In Denison, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $73,033. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $87,768 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $63,354, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $34,886 in earnings. Overall, 82.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $63,354 -2.1%
25 - 44 $73,033 19.1%
45 - 64 $87,768 20.4%
Over 65 $34,886 -4.3%
Above poverty level
6,600
Below poverty level
1,423
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,600 82.3% 3.4%
Below poverty level 1,423 17.7% -12.8%

Average renter income in Denison

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Denison, their median household income was $31,413 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 27.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,413
Rent-to-income ratio
27.9%
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 Denison

Workforce and job types in Denison

The job market in Denison is powered by 4,065 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 48.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 51.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.5% run their own businesses, 67.2% are employed by private companies, and 13.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,065
-0.2% year-over-year change
White collar
1,987
Blue collar
2,078
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,987 48.9% -13.3%
Blue collar 2,078 51.1% 16.8%
Employer type
Self employees
14.5%
Private companies
67.2%
Governmental workers
13.8%
Not for profit companies
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 588 14.5% -18.8%
Private companies 2,731 67.2% 2.5%
Governmental workers 559 13.8% 17.4%
Not for profit companies 187 4.6% -9.7%
Unemployment rate
5.4%
202.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Denison stands at 5.4%, 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 Denison

How people get around in Denison

In Denison, the average commute time is 13 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 88.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
13 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,556 88.1% 1.6%
Taxicab 22 0.6% 633.3%
Bus or trolleybus 143 3.5% -36.4%
Walk 109 2.7% -16.8%
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 Denison by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51442 9,692 3,587 $66,767 $84,598

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FAQs about Denison demographics 

What is the total population of Denison?

Denison has a total population of 8,260 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 Denison?

The gender ratio in Denison is as follows:
  • 50.7% males (4,190 residents)
  • 49.3% females (4,070 residents)

What is the median age in Denison?

The median age in Denison is 34.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Denison?

The age distribution in Denison is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21% (1,737 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.7% (1,381 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.2% (2,077 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.7% (1,956 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.4% (1,109 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Denison?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Denison is as follows:
  • White: 50.2% (4,146 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.6% (133 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (65 residents)
  • Asian: 3.3% (274 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 25.6% (2,111 residents)
  • Other: 18.5% (1,531 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 68% of the population in Denison.

How many housing units are there in Denison?

There are 3,251 housing units in Denison, reflecting a +2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Denison has a total of 3,091 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Denison?

Denison has a median household income of $65,684, representing a +2.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.6% in Denison, with a workforce of 4,065 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 48.9% (1,987 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 51.1% (2,078 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.5% (588 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.2% (2,731 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.8% (559 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.6% (187 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