Hills, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
974
9.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,333/yr
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
469
5.6% year-over-year change

Hills population

How many people live in Hills

Hills is home to 974 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51% of Hills locals are male, and 49% are female.

Total population
974
9.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51%
497
Female
49%
477
Value Percent YoY change
Male 497 51% 8.8%
Female 477 49% 9.7%
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 Hills is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.6% are children under 15, then 9.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 36.9% of the population, while another 19.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.6%
15 to 24
9.1%
25 to 44
36.9%
45 to 64
19.9%
Over 65
20.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 132 13.6% 10.0%
15 to 24 89 9.1% 2.3%
25 to 44 359 36.9% 16.9%
45 to 64 194 19.9% 14.1%
Over 65 200 20.5% -3.9%
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 Hills, 99.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 10% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.2%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 972 99.8% 10.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2 0.2% -71.4%
Racial breakdown
White
87.3%
Black or African American
2.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 850 87.3%
Black or African American 24 2.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0.3%
Two or more races 97 10%

Households in Hills

A peek inside Hills households

Hills has 438 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.8% are families, while the remaining 40.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
438
8.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
176
Family households
262
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 176 40.2% 26.6%
Family households 262 59.8% -1.5%
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 Hills

The housing landscape of Hills

Hills's housing consists of 469 units, with 61.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 11.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
469
5.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 288 61.4%
1 unit, attached 52 11.1%
2 units 3 0.6%
3 or 4 units 15 3.2%
5 to 9 units 39 8.3%
10 to 19 units 56 11.9%
20 to 49 units 16 3.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Hills

In Hills, the median construction year is 1977. About 16.4% 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.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 77 16.4% 10.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 8 1.7% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 54 11.5% -3.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 32 6.8% 45.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 88 18.8% -7.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 33 7% -17.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 72 15.4% 20.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 29 6.2% 26.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 76 16.2% 8.6%
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.

Hills occupancy rates

Out of the 438 occupied housing units in Hills, 64.2% are owner-occupied, while 35.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
438
8.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
157
Owner occupied
281
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 157 35.8% 2.6%
Owner occupied 281 64.2% 11.5%
Unoccupied housing units
6.6%
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.

Hills housing costs

Housing costs in Hills come to a median of $1,200 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,132.

Median housing costs per month
$1,200/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 Hills
$1,132/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 Hills

Hills education at a glance

About 30.5% of the population in Hills went to high school, while 23.4% pursued college studies. Another 22% earned an associate degree and 18% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 11 1.3% 0.0%
High school diploma 252 30.5% -7.3%
College diploma 193 23.4% -3.0%
Associate degree 182 22% 76.7%
Bachelor's degree 149 18% 15.5%
Graduate degree 39 4.7% 0.0%
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 Hills

How much people earn in Hills

The average annual household income in Hills was $89,732 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,333, reflecting a +1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Hills
$89,732/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Hills
$83,333/year
1.8% year-over-year change

Hills income by age

In Hills, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $98,702. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $77,292 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $67,500, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $72,917 in earnings. Overall, 91.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $67,500 N/A
25 - 44 $98,702 2.6%
45 - 64 $77,292 3.2%
Over 65 $72,917 3.7%
Above poverty level
865
Below poverty level
80
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 865 91.5% 9.2%
Below poverty level 80 8.5% 3.9%

Average renter income in Hills

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Hills, their median household income was $46,000 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$46,000
Rent-to-income ratio
29.5%
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 Hills

Workforce and job types in Hills

The job market in Hills is powered by 634 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.8% run their own businesses, 60.1% are employed by private companies, and 30.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
634
13.4% year-over-year change
White collar
506
Blue collar
128
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 506 79.8% 21.9%
Blue collar 128 20.2% -11.1%
Employer type
Self employees
5.8%
Private companies
60.1%
Governmental workers
30.6%
Not for profit companies
3.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 37 5.8% -7.5%
Private companies 381 60.1% 13.4%
Governmental workers 194 30.6% 25.2%
Not for profit companies 22 3.5% -21.4%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
200.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Hills stands at 3.6%, 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 Hills

How people get around in Hills

Commuting methods vary: 83.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.8% 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 526 83.6% 17.9%
Walk 24 3.8% -17.2%
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 Hills by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
52235 974 438 $83,333 $89,732

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FAQs about Hills demographics 

What is the total population of Hills?

Hills has a total population of 974 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 +9.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Hills?

The gender ratio in Hills is as follows:
  • 51% males (497 residents)
  • 49% females (477 residents)

What is the median age in Hills?

The median age in Hills is 40.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Hills?

The age distribution in Hills is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.6% (132 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.1% (89 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 36.9% (359 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.9% (194 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.5% (200 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Hills?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Hills is as follows:
  • White: 87.3% (850 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.5% (24 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10% (97 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.8% of the population in Hills.

How many housing units are there in Hills?

There are 469 housing units in Hills, reflecting a +5.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Hills has a total of 438 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Hills?

Hills has a median household income of $83,333, representing a +1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.4% in Hills, with a workforce of 634 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.8% (506 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.2% (128 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.8% (37 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.1% (381 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 30.6% (194 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.5% (22 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