Dows, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
562
3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,000/yr
32.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
222
-5.5% year-over-year change

Dows population

How many people live in Dows

Dows is home to 562 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Dows locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
562
3.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
280
Female
50.2%
282
Value Percent YoY change
Male 280 49.8% 1.4%
Female 282 50.2% 5.2%
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 Dows is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.6% are children under 15, then 20.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.2% of the population, while another 19.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.6%
15 to 24
20.5%
25 to 44
21.2%
45 to 64
19.4%
Over 65
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 138 24.6% 30.2%
15 to 24 115 20.5% -8.0%
25 to 44 119 21.2% 13.3%
45 to 64 109 19.4% -13.5%
Over 65 81 14.4% -1.2%
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 Dows, 96.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.7%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 541 96.3% 3.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 15 2.7% -6.2%
Non-citizens 6 1.1% 50.0%
Racial breakdown
White
95%
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%
Other
3%
Value Percent
White 534 95%
Two or more races 11 2%
Other 17 3%

Households in Dows

A peek inside Dows households

Dows has 198 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 72.2% are families, while the remaining 27.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
198
-3.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
55
Family households
143
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 55 27.8% -32.9%
Family households 143 72.2% 15.3%
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 Dows

The housing landscape of Dows

Dows's housing consists of 222 units, with 93.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
222
-5.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 207 93.2%
3 or 4 units 7 3.2%
5 to 9 units 8 3.6%
Homes built since 2020
2
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dows

In Dows, the median construction year is 1938. About 55.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.1% 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 124 55.9% -10.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 18 8.1% 80.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 11 5% -47.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 19 8.6% 137.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 36 16.2% 0.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5 2.2% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1 0.4% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 6 2.7% -57.1%
Built in 2020 or later 2 0.9% 0.0%
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.

Dows occupancy rates

Out of the 198 occupied housing units in Dows, 75.2% are owner-occupied, while 24.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
198
-3.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
49
Owner occupied
149
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 49 24.8% -10.9%
Owner occupied 149 75.2% -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.

Dows housing costs

Housing costs in Dows come to a median of $705 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $695.

Median housing costs per month
$705/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 Dows
$695/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 Dows

Dows education at a glance

About 48.1% of the population in Dows went to high school, while 28.4% pursued college studies. Another 10% earned an associate degree and 11.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 178 48.1% 11.9%
College diploma 105 28.4% -16.0%
Associate degree 37 10% -13.9%
Bachelor's degree 42 11.4% -23.6%
Graduate degree 8 2.2% -11.1%
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 Dows

How much people earn in Dows

The average annual household income in Dows was $95,525 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,000, reflecting a +32.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dows
$95,525/year
10.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dows
$78,000/year
32.8% year-over-year change

Dows income by age

In Dows, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $143,500. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $100,455 overall. Overall, 92.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $143,500 28.5%
45 - 64 $100,455 N/A
Over 65 $49,375 -15.1%
Above poverty level
509
Below poverty level
40
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 509 92.7% 2.0%
Below poverty level 40 7.3% 2.6%

Average renter income in Dows

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Dows, their median household income was $45,833 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 18.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$45,833
Rent-to-income ratio
18.2%
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 Dows

Workforce and job types in Dows

The job market in Dows is powered by 261 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 54.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 45.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10% run their own businesses, 77.4% are employed by private companies, and 5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
261
-6.8% year-over-year change
White collar
143
Blue collar
118
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 143 54.8% -8.9%
Blue collar 118 45.2% -4.1%
Employer type
Self employees
10%
Private companies
77.4%
Governmental workers
5%
Not for profit companies
7.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 26 10% -13.3%
Private companies 202 77.4% -2.4%
Governmental workers 13 5% -23.5%
Not for profit companies 20 7.7% -23.1%
Unemployment rate
1.1%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dows stands at 1.1%, 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 Dows

How people get around in Dows

Commuting methods vary: 88.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% 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 229 88.4% -7.3%
Walk 2 0.8% 0.0%
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 Dows by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50071 847 347 $83,036 $91,362

Explore more communities

FAQs about Dows demographics 

What is the total population of Dows?

Dows has a total population of 562 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 +3.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dows?

The gender ratio in Dows is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (280 residents)
  • 50.2% females (282 residents)

What is the median age in Dows?

The median age in Dows is 37.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dows?

The age distribution in Dows is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.6% (138 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 20.5% (115 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.2% (119 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.4% (109 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.4% (81 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dows?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dows is as follows:
  • White: 95% (534 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2% (11 residents)
  • Other: 3% (17 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.3% of the population in Dows.

How many housing units are there in Dows?

There are 222 housing units in Dows, reflecting a -5.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Dows has a total of 198 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dows?

Dows has a median household income of $78,000, representing a +32.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.9% in Dows, with a workforce of 261 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 54.8% (143 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 45.2% (118 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10% (26 residents)
  • Private companies: 77.4% (202 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 5% (13 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.7% (20 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