Grimes, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
16,366
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$120,037/yr
14.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,224
0.2% year-over-year change

Grimes population

How many people live in Grimes

Grimes is home to 16,366 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.3% of Grimes locals are male, and 47.7% are female.

Total population
16,366
3.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.3%
8,556
Female
47.7%
7,810
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,556 52.3% 4.8%
Female 7,810 47.7% 2.2%
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 Grimes is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.7% are children under 15, then 15.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.6% of the population, while another 24.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 7.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.7%
15 to 24
15.5%
25 to 44
31.6%
45 to 64
24.9%
Over 65
7.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,385 20.7% 1.8%
15 to 24 2,540 15.5% 5.2%
25 to 44 5,168 31.6% -2.0%
45 to 64 4,074 24.9% 16.0%
Over 65 1,199 7.3% -6.6%
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 Grimes, 89.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 83.6% of locals are Caucasian, 6.2% are African American and 4.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.7%
Non-citizens
8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,608 89.3% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 443 2.7% -29.5%
Non-citizens 1,315 8% 177.4%
Racial breakdown
White
83.6%
Black or African American
6.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
4.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.7%
Other
0.9%
Value Percent
White 13,681 83.6%
Black or African American 1,011 6.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0%
Asian 759 4.6%
Two or more races 767 4.7%
Other 146 0.9%

Households in Grimes

A peek inside Grimes households

Grimes has 6,117 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 66.8% are families, while the remaining 33.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,117
-0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,028
Family households
4,089
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,028 33.2% -13.2%
Family households 4,089 66.8% 7.7%
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 Grimes

The housing landscape of Grimes

Grimes's housing consists of 6,224 units, with 64% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.5% 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 5.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,224
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,981 64%
1 unit, attached 468 7.5%
2 units 56 0.9%
3 or 4 units 129 2.1%
5 to 9 units 360 5.8%
10 to 19 units 298 4.8%
20 to 49 units 474 7.6%
50 or more units 135 2.2%
Mobile home 323 5.2%
Homes built since 2020
487
141.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Grimes

In Grimes, the median construction year is 2009. About 2.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 40.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 7.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 166 2.7% -19.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 106 1.7% 2.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 66 1.1% 6.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 90 1.4% 95.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 558 9% 9.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 150 2.4% -8.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 975 15.7% -10.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,126 18.1% -3.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,500 40.2% -5.8%
Built in 2020 or later 487 7.8% 141.1%
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.

Grimes occupancy rates

Out of the 6,117 occupied housing units in Grimes, 70.9% are owner-occupied, while 29.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 1.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,117
-0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,782
Owner occupied
4,335
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,782 29.1% -3.2%
Owner occupied 4,335 70.9% 1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
1.7%
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.

Grimes housing costs

Housing costs in Grimes come to a median of $1,552 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,251.

Median housing costs per month
$1,552/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 Grimes
$1,251/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 Grimes

Grimes education at a glance

About 27.2% of the population in Grimes went to high school, while 17.1% pursued college studies. Another 6.9% earned an associate degree and 32% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 53 0.4% -18.5%
High school diploma 3,226 27.2% -6.3%
College diploma 2,030 17.1% 4.6%
Associate degree 820 6.9% -6.7%
Bachelor's degree 3,791 32% 8.9%
Graduate degree 1,939 16.4% 19.0%
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 Grimes

How much people earn in Grimes

The average annual household income in Grimes was $127,689 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +11.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $120,037, reflecting a +14.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Grimes
$127,689/year
11.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Grimes
$120,037/year
14.9% year-over-year change

Grimes income by age

In Grimes, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $132,958. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $132,199 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $54,500, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $63,321 in earnings. Overall, 95.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $54,500 2.8%
25 - 44 $132,958 6.8%
45 - 64 $132,199 10.7%
Over 65 $63,321 5.5%
Above poverty level
15,418
Below poverty level
720
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 15,418 95.5% 6.5%
Below poverty level 720 4.5% -33.1%

Average renter income in Grimes

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Grimes, their median household income was $71,714 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 20.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$71,714
Rent-to-income ratio
20.9%
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 Grimes

Workforce and job types in Grimes

The job market in Grimes is powered by 9,692 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 72.6% are employed by private companies, and 12.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
9,692
10.6% year-over-year change
White collar
7,990
Blue collar
1,702
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,990 82.4% 11.4%
Blue collar 1,702 17.6% 7.0%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
72.6%
Governmental workers
12.6%
Not for profit companies
7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 758 7.8% 5.9%
Private companies 7,032 72.6% 7.3%
Governmental workers 1,220 12.6% 26.4%
Not for profit companies 682 7% 29.2%
Unemployment rate
1.9%
-67.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Grimes stands at 1.9%, 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 Grimes

How people get around in Grimes

In Grimes, the average commute time is 20 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 75.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
20 min
1.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,325 75.8% 13.9%
Taxicab 16 0.2% 14.3%
Walk 88 0.9% 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 Grimes by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50111 16,865 6,292 $120,769 $130,157

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FAQs about Grimes demographics 

What is the total population of Grimes?

Grimes has a total population of 16,366 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 +3.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Grimes?

The gender ratio in Grimes is as follows:
  • 52.3% males (8,556 residents)
  • 47.7% females (7,810 residents)

What is the median age in Grimes?

The median age in Grimes is 35.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Grimes?

The age distribution in Grimes is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.7% (3,385 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.5% (2,540 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.6% (5,168 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.9% (4,074 residents)
  • Over 65: 7.3% (1,199 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Grimes?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Grimes is as follows:
  • White: 83.6% (13,681 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.2% (1,011 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 4.6% (759 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.7% (767 residents)
  • Other: 0.9% (146 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.3% of the population in Grimes.

How many housing units are there in Grimes?

There are 6,224 housing units in Grimes, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Grimes has a total of 6,117 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Grimes?

Grimes has a median household income of $120,037, representing a +14.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.1% in Grimes, with a workforce of 9,692 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.4% (7,990 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.6% (1,702 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (758 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.6% (7,032 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.6% (1,220 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7% (682 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