Early, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
869
14.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$91,370/yr
20.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
384
7.3% year-over-year change

Early population

How many people live in Early

Early is home to 869 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 59.7% of Early locals are male, and 40.3% are female.

Total population
869
14.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
59.7%
519
Female
40.3%
350
Value Percent YoY change
Male 519 59.7% 10.9%
Female 350 40.3% 21.1%
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 Early is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.4% are children under 15, then 19.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.4% of the population, while another 29.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.4%
15 to 24
19.8%
25 to 44
19.4%
45 to 64
29.3%
Over 65
12%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 169 19.4% 8.3%
15 to 24 172 19.8% 56.4%
25 to 44 169 19.4% 32.0%
45 to 64 255 29.3% -1.5%
Over 65 104 12% 0.0%
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 Early, 92.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.9%
Non-citizens
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 806 92.8% 15.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 25 2.9% 0.0%
Non-citizens 38 4.4% 22.6%
Racial breakdown
White
87.9%
Black or African American
4.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.3%
Other
4.4%
Value Percent
White 764 87.9%
Black or African American 38 4.4%
Two or more races 29 3.3%
Other 38 4.4%

Households in Early

A peek inside Early households

Early has 335 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 54.6% are families, while the remaining 45.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
335
7.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
152
Family households
183
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 152 45.4% 5.6%
Family households 183 54.6% 8.3%
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 Early

The housing landscape of Early

Early's housing consists of 384 units, with 79.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
384
7.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 305 79.4%
1 unit, attached 20 5.2%
3 or 4 units 32 8.3%
5 to 9 units 27 7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Early

In Early, the median construction year is 1948. About 36.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 17.4% 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 140 36.5% -5.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 67 17.4% 34.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 50 13% 4.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 48 12.5% 33.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 68 17.7% 9.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5 1.3% -37.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 6 1.6% 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.

Early occupancy rates

Out of the 335 occupied housing units in Early, 68.7% are owner-occupied, while 31.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
335
7.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
105
Owner occupied
230
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 105 31.3% 8.2%
Owner occupied 230 68.7% 6.5%
Unoccupied housing units
12.8%
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.

Early housing costs

Housing costs in Early come to a median of $635 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $620.

Median housing costs per month
$635/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 Early
$620/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 Early

Early education at a glance

About 40.6% of the population in Early went to high school, while 33.6% pursued college studies. Another 12.2% earned an associate degree and 9.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 18 2.7% 0.0%
High school diploma 267 40.6% 12.2%
College diploma 221 33.6% 20.8%
Associate degree 80 12.2% 42.9%
Bachelor's degree 60 9.1% -7.7%
Graduate degree 12 1.8% 20.0%
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 Early

How much people earn in Early

The average annual household income in Early was $93,333 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +16% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $91,370, reflecting a +20.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Early
$93,333/year
16.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Early
$91,370/year
20.1% year-over-year change

Early income by age

In Early, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $92,417. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $91,520 overall. Overall, 91.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $92,417 68.6%
45 - 64 $91,520 3.7%
Over 65 $61,250 5.8%
Above poverty level
776
Below poverty level
76
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 776 91.1% 20.5%
Below poverty level 76 8.9% -13.6%

Average renter income in Early

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Early, their median household income was $85,172 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 8.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$85,172
Rent-to-income ratio
8.7%
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 Early

Workforce and job types in Early

The job market in Early is powered by 500 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 61% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 39% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.8% run their own businesses, 74.4% are employed by private companies, and 17.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
500
19.6% year-over-year change
White collar
305
Blue collar
195
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 305 61% 20.6%
Blue collar 195 39% 18.2%
Employer type
Self employees
6.8%
Private companies
74.4%
Governmental workers
17.4%
Not for profit companies
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 34 6.8% -26.1%
Private companies 372 74.4% 31.9%
Governmental workers 87 17.4% 16.0%
Not for profit companies 7 1.4% -53.3%
Unemployment rate
11.5%
35.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Early stands at 11.5%, 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 Early

How people get around in Early

Commuting methods vary: 97.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% 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 478 97.4% 22.2%
Walk 7 1.4% 16.7%
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 Early by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50535 1,198 457 $91,995 $99,974

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FAQs about Early demographics 

What is the total population of Early?

Early has a total population of 869 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 +14.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Early?

The gender ratio in Early is as follows:
  • 59.7% males (519 residents)
  • 40.3% females (350 residents)

What is the median age in Early?

The median age in Early is 35.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Early?

The age distribution in Early is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.4% (169 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 19.8% (172 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.4% (169 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.3% (255 residents)
  • Over 65: 12% (104 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Early?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Early is as follows:
  • White: 87.9% (764 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.4% (38 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: 3.3% (29 residents)
  • Other: 4.4% (38 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.8% of the population in Early.

How many housing units are there in Early?

There are 384 housing units in Early, reflecting a +7.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Early has a total of 335 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Early?

Early has a median household income of $91,370, representing a +20.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 88.5% in Early, with a workforce of 500 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61% (305 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 39% (195 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.8% (34 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.4% (372 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.4% (87 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 1.4% (7 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