Grundy Center, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,809
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$80,357/yr
3.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,209
-7.4% year-over-year change

Grundy Center population

How many people live in Grundy Center

Grundy Center is home to 2,809 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.5% of Grundy Center locals are male, and 53.5% are female.

Total population
2,809
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.5%
1,307
Female
53.5%
1,502
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,307 46.5% 7.2%
Female 1,502 53.5% -4.6%
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 Grundy Center is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 13.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.5% of the population, while another 24.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
13.5%
25 to 44
22.5%
45 to 64
24.1%
Over 65
22.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 494 17.6% -2.6%
15 to 24 378 13.5% 11.2%
25 to 44 632 22.5% -6.7%
45 to 64 676 24.1% 19.0%
Over 65 629 22.4% -10.4%
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 Grundy Center, 98.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 95.6% of locals are Caucasian, 0.2% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.5%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,767 98.5% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 13 0.5% -55.2%
Non-citizens 29 1% 93.3%
Racial breakdown
White
95.6%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2%
Other
2%
Value Percent
White 2,686 95.6%
Black or African American 6 0.2%
Asian 4 0.1%
Two or more races 57 2%
Other 56 2%

Households in Grundy Center

A peek inside Grundy Center households

Grundy Center has 1,156 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.9% are families, while the remaining 37.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,156
-4.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
429
Family households
727
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 429 37.1% -12.4%
Family households 727 62.9% 1.7%
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 Grundy Center

The housing landscape of Grundy Center

Grundy Center's housing consists of 1,209 units, with 84% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% 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 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,209
-7.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,015 84%
1 unit, attached 8 0.7%
3 or 4 units 111 9.2%
5 to 9 units 42 3.5%
20 to 49 units 27 2.2%
Mobile home 6 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
5
-28.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Grundy Center

In Grundy Center, the median construction year is 1966. About 25.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 311 25.7% -6.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 77 6.4% -23.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 158 13.1% -16.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 94 7.8% -34.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 323 26.7% 17.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 56 4.6% -6.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 80 6.6% 5.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 76 6.3% -6.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 29 2.4% -35.6%
Built in 2020 or later 5 0.4% -28.6%
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.

Grundy Center occupancy rates

Out of the 1,156 occupied housing units in Grundy Center, 80.3% are owner-occupied, while 19.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,156
-4.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
228
Owner occupied
928
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 228 19.7% -6.2%
Owner occupied 928 80.3% -3.5%
Unoccupied housing units
4.4%
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.

Grundy Center housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$864/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 Grundy Center

Grundy Center education at a glance

About 44.1% of the population in Grundy Center went to high school, while 18.2% pursued college studies. Another 14.5% earned an associate degree and 16.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 32 1.5% 146.2%
High school diploma 961 44.1% 3.4%
College diploma 396 18.2% 0.5%
Associate degree 315 14.5% -11.3%
Bachelor's degree 363 16.7% 2.5%
Graduate degree 111 5.1% -5.1%
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 Grundy Center

How much people earn in Grundy Center

The average annual household income in Grundy Center was $100,219 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +14.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $80,357, reflecting a +3.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Grundy Center
$100,219/year
14.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Grundy Center
$80,357/year
3.6% year-over-year change

Grundy Center income by age

In Grundy Center, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $107,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $85,100 overall. Overall, 88.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $107,250 7.0%
45 - 64 $85,100 1.6%
Over 65 $42,431 -4.6%
Above poverty level
2,445
Below poverty level
305
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,445 88.9% 0.8%
Below poverty level 305 11.1% 2.0%

Average renter income in Grundy Center

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Grundy Center, their median household income was $26,875 according to 2022 Census data.

Renter median household income
$26,875
Rent-to-income ratio
0%
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 Grundy Center

Workforce and job types in Grundy Center

The job market in Grundy Center is powered by 1,364 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.9% run their own businesses, 69.4% are employed by private companies, and 12.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,364
1.1% year-over-year change
White collar
905
Blue collar
459
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 905 66.4% -2.5%
Blue collar 459 33.6% 9.0%
Employer type
Self employees
8.9%
Private companies
69.4%
Governmental workers
12.8%
Not for profit companies
8.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 122 8.9% -12.9%
Private companies 947 69.4% 4.2%
Governmental workers 174 12.8% 23.4%
Not for profit companies 121 8.9% -23.9%
Unemployment rate
1.5%
50.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Grundy Center stands at 1.5%, 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 Grundy Center

How people get around in Grundy Center

Commuting methods vary: 91.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% 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 1,244 91.9% 0.8%
Bicycle 12 0.9% 33.3%
Walk 18 1.3% 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 Grundy Center by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50638 3,441 1,361 $85,223 $102,697

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FAQs about Grundy Center demographics 

What is the total population of Grundy Center?

Grundy Center has a total population of 2,809 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 +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Grundy Center?

The gender ratio in Grundy Center is as follows:
  • 46.5% males (1,307 residents)
  • 53.5% females (1,502 residents)

What is the median age in Grundy Center?

The median age in Grundy Center is 41.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Grundy Center?

The age distribution in Grundy Center is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (494 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.5% (378 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.5% (632 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.1% (676 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.4% (629 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Grundy Center?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Grundy Center is as follows:
  • White: 95.6% (2,686 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (6 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (4 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2% (57 residents)
  • Other: 2% (56 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.5% of the population in Grundy Center.

How many housing units are there in Grundy Center?

There are 1,209 housing units in Grundy Center, reflecting a -7.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Grundy Center has a total of 1,156 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Grundy Center?

Grundy Center has a median household income of $80,357, representing a +3.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Grundy Center?

The employment rate is 98.5% in Grundy Center, with a workforce of 1,364 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.4% (905 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.6% (459 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.9% (122 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.4% (947 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.8% (174 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.9% (121 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