Grinnell, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,505
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,320/yr
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,976
-0.5% year-over-year change

Grinnell population

How many people live in Grinnell

Grinnell is home to 9,505 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.9% of Grinnell locals are male, and 53.1% are female.

Total population
9,505
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.9%
4,462
Female
53.1%
5,043
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,462 46.9% 0.4%
Female 5,043 53.1% -0.8%
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 Grinnell is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.4% are children under 15, then 23.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21% of the population, while another 18.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.4%
15 to 24
23.9%
25 to 44
21%
45 to 64
18.2%
Over 65
21.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,465 15.4% 2.2%
15 to 24 2,275 23.9% -1.3%
25 to 44 2,000 21% 9.2%
45 to 64 1,731 18.2% -9.3%
Over 65 2,034 21.4% -0.7%
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 Grinnell, 92.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87% of locals are Caucasian, 1.8% are African American and 3.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.1%
Non-citizens
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,783 92.4% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 293 3.1% 13.6%
Non-citizens 429 4.5% 10.8%
Racial breakdown
White
87%
Black or African American
1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
3.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.4%
Other
1%
Value Percent
White 8,265 87%
Black or African American 166 1.8%
Asian 372 3.9%
Two or more races 611 6.4%
Other 91 1%

Households in Grinnell

A peek inside Grinnell households

Grinnell has 3,635 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.2% are families, while the remaining 44.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,635
-2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,628
Family households
2,007
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,628 44.8% -10.8%
Family households 2,007 55.2% 4.7%
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 Grinnell

The housing landscape of Grinnell

Grinnell's housing consists of 3,976 units, with 63.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.6% 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 2.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,976
-0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,509 63.1%
1 unit, attached 304 7.6%
2 units 110 2.8%
3 or 4 units 186 4.7%
5 to 9 units 256 6.4%
10 to 19 units 245 6.2%
20 to 49 units 233 5.9%
50 or more units 44 1.1%
Mobile home 89 2.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Grinnell

In Grinnell, the median construction year is 1971. About 28.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.3% 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 1,146 28.8% 1.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 91 2.3% -40.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 436 11% -11.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 284 7.1% -0.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 584 14.7% -4.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 479 12% -12.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 273 6.9% -7.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 427 10.7% 93.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 256 6.4% -2.3%
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.

Grinnell occupancy rates

Out of the 3,635 occupied housing units in Grinnell, 64.6% are owner-occupied, while 35.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,635
-2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,288
Owner occupied
2,347
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,288 35.4% -1.2%
Owner occupied 2,347 64.6% -3.7%
Unoccupied housing units
8.6%
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.

Grinnell housing costs

Housing costs in Grinnell come to a median of $1,053 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $895.

Median housing costs per month
$1,053/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 Grinnell
$895/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 Grinnell

Grinnell education at a glance

About 37.1% of the population in Grinnell went to high school, while 24.1% pursued college studies. Another 7.7% earned an associate degree and 15.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 147 1.9% -12.0%
High school diploma 2,871 37.1% 17.0%
College diploma 1,864 24.1% -12.7%
Associate degree 595 7.7% 10.6%
Bachelor's degree 1,201 15.5% -10.2%
Graduate degree 1,056 13.6% -5.5%
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 Grinnell

How much people earn in Grinnell

The average annual household income in Grinnell was $92,817 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,320, reflecting a +1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Grinnell
$92,817/year
3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Grinnell
$65,320/year
1.4% year-over-year change

Grinnell income by age

In Grinnell, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,314. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $95,300 overall. Overall, 88.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $74,314 -18.6%
45 - 64 $95,300 37.0%
Over 65 $53,295 4.2%
Above poverty level
7,049
Below poverty level
886
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,049 88.8% -0.8%
Below poverty level 886 11.2% 0.9%

Average renter income in Grinnell

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Grinnell, their median household income was $33,750 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,750
Rent-to-income ratio
31.8%
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 Grinnell

Workforce and job types in Grinnell

The job market in Grinnell is powered by 4,675 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10% run their own businesses, 55.5% are employed by private companies, and 8.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,675
3.9% year-over-year change
White collar
3,713
Blue collar
962
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,713 79.4% 5.0%
Blue collar 962 20.6% -0.2%
Employer type
Self employees
10%
Private companies
55.5%
Governmental workers
8.8%
Not for profit companies
25.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 467 10% 27.9%
Private companies 2,593 55.5% 4.8%
Governmental workers 411 8.8% -18.9%
Not for profit companies 1,204 25.8% 4.4%
Unemployment rate
4.0%
-22.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Grinnell stands at 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 Grinnell

How people get around in Grinnell

In Grinnell, the average commute time is 12 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 58.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 19.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
12 min
-10.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,709 58.8% -2.4%
Bicycle 152 3.3% -11.6%
Walk 918 19.9% 5.8%
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 Grinnell by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50112 11,862 4,671 $67,078 $96,506

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FAQs about Grinnell demographics 

What is the total population of Grinnell?

Grinnell has a total population of 9,505 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 Grinnell?

The gender ratio in Grinnell is as follows:
  • 46.9% males (4,462 residents)
  • 53.1% females (5,043 residents)

What is the median age in Grinnell?

The median age in Grinnell is 36.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Grinnell?

The age distribution in Grinnell is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.4% (1,465 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 23.9% (2,275 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21% (2,000 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18.2% (1,731 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.4% (2,034 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Grinnell?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Grinnell is as follows:
  • White: 87% (8,265 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.8% (166 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 3.9% (372 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.4% (611 residents)
  • Other: 1% (91 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.4% of the population in Grinnell.

How many housing units are there in Grinnell?

There are 3,976 housing units in Grinnell, reflecting a -0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Grinnell has a total of 3,635 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Grinnell?

Grinnell has a median household income of $65,320, representing a +1.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96% in Grinnell, with a workforce of 4,675 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.4% (3,713 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.6% (962 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10% (467 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.5% (2,593 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.8% (411 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 25.8% (1,204 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