Dorchester, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
671
43.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,188/yr
-19.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
312
26.3% year-over-year change

Dorchester population

How many people live in Dorchester

Dorchester is home to 671 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Dorchester locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
671
43.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
333
Female
50.4%
338
Value Percent YoY change
Male 333 49.6% 19.4%
Female 338 50.4% 77.9%
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 Dorchester is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.9% are children under 15, then 7.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.4% of the population, while another 15.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.9%
15 to 24
7.6%
25 to 44
30.4%
45 to 64
15.2%
Over 65
24.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 147 21.9% 53.1%
15 to 24 51 7.6% -16.4%
25 to 44 204 30.4% 82.1%
45 to 64 102 15.2% 32.5%
Over 65 167 24.9% 35.8%
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

There’s also a share of 2.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 671 100% 43.1%
Racial breakdown
White
97.9%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.1%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 657 97.9%
Two or more races 14 2.1%

Households in Dorchester

A peek inside Dorchester households

Dorchester has 276 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 75.4% are families, while the remaining 24.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
276
32.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
68
Family households
208
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 68 24.6% -16.1%
Family households 208 75.4% 63.8%
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 Dorchester

The housing landscape of Dorchester

Dorchester's housing consists of 312 units, with 93.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
312
26.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 291 93.3%
1 unit, attached 21 6.7%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dorchester

In Dorchester, the median construction year is 1986. 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 105 33.6% 18.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 12 3.8% N/A
Built between 1970 and 1979 26 8.3% -3.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 22 7% -33.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 26 8.3% -18.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 69 22.1% 155.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 52 16.7% 33.3%
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.

Dorchester occupancy rates

Out of the 276 occupied housing units in Dorchester, 89.5% are owner-occupied, while 10.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
276
32.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
29
Owner occupied
247
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 29 10.5% 11.5%
Owner occupied 247 89.5% 35.7%
Unoccupied housing units
11.5%
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.

Dorchester housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$669/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.

Education in Dorchester

Dorchester education at a glance

About 42.8% of the population in Dorchester went to high school, while 16.9% pursued college studies. Another 6.7% earned an associate degree and 32.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 218 42.8% 21.1%
College diploma 86 16.9% 68.6%
Associate degree 34 6.7% -5.6%
Bachelor's degree 165 32.4% 91.9%
Graduate degree 6 1.2% 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 Dorchester

How much people earn in Dorchester

The average annual household income in Dorchester was $129,616 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -11.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,188, reflecting a -19.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dorchester
$129,616/year
-11.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dorchester
$72,188/year
-19.5% year-over-year change

Dorchester income by age

In Dorchester, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $90,375. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,923 overall. Overall, 99.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $90,375 -16.7%
45 - 64 $66,923 N/A
Over 65 $100,655 2.9%
Above poverty level
618
Below poverty level
1
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 618 99.8% 34.4%
Below poverty level 1 0.2% -88.9%

Employment in Dorchester

Workforce and job types in Dorchester

82.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 22.3% run their own businesses, 51.8% are employed by private companies, and 3.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
326
Blue collar
68
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 326 82.7% 33.6%
Blue collar 68 17.3% 17.2%
Employer type
Self employees
22.3%
Private companies
51.8%
Governmental workers
3.8%
Not for profit companies
22.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 88 22.3% -16.2%
Private companies 204 51.8% 60.6%
Governmental workers 15 3.8% 7.1%
Not for profit companies 87 22.1% 55.4%

Transportation in Dorchester

How people get around in Dorchester

Commuting methods vary: 95.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.8% 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 354 95.2% 30.1%
Walk 18 4.8% 100.0%
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 Dorchester by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
52140 671 276 $72,188 $129,616

Explore more communities

FAQs about Dorchester demographics 

What is the total population of Dorchester?

Dorchester has a total population of 671 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 +43.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dorchester?

The gender ratio in Dorchester is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (333 residents)
  • 50.4% females (338 residents)

What is the median age in Dorchester?

The median age in Dorchester is 39.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dorchester?

The age distribution in Dorchester is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.9% (147 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.6% (51 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.4% (204 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 15.2% (102 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.9% (167 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dorchester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dorchester is as follows:
  • White: 97.9% (657 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% ( residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.1% (14 residents)
  • Other: 0% ( residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Dorchester.

How many housing units are there in Dorchester?

There are 312 housing units in Dorchester, reflecting a +26.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Dorchester has a total of 276 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dorchester?

Dorchester has a median household income of $72,188, representing a -19.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Dorchester?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.7% (326 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.3% (68 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 22.3% (88 residents)
  • Private companies: 51.8% (204 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 3.8% (15 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 22.1% (87 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