Downtown Iowa City, Iowa City, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,278
5.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,490/yr
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
111
-0.9% year-over-year change

Downtown Iowa City population

How many people live in Downtown Iowa City

Downtown Iowa City is home to 1,278 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.7% of Downtown Iowa City locals are male, and 55.2% are female.

Total population
1,278
5.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.7%
571
Female
55.2%
706
Value Percent YoY change
Male 571 44.7% 6.9%
Female 706 55.2% 3.4%
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 Downtown Iowa City is 29, with the population distributed as follows: about 1.9% are children under 15, then 85.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 5.4% of the population, while another 3.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 3.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
28.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
1.9%
15 to 24
85.8%
25 to 44
5.4%
45 to 64
3.3%
Over 65
3.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 24 1.9% -7.7%
15 to 24 1,095 85.8% 6.2%
25 to 44 69 5.4% -1.4%
45 to 64 42 3.3% -4.5%
Over 65 47 3.7% 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 Downtown Iowa City, 96% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 83% of locals are Caucasian, 4% are African American and 4.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.7%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,227 96% 5.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 35 2.7% 12.9%
Non-citizens 16 1.2% -15.8%
Racial breakdown
White
83%
Black or African American
4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
4.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.5%
Other
0.9%
Value Percent
White 1,060 83%
Black or African American 51 4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0.2%
Asian 56 4.4%
Two or more races 96 7.5%
Other 12 0.9%

Households in Downtown Iowa City

A peek inside Downtown Iowa City households

Downtown Iowa City has 104 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 44.2% are families, while the remaining 55.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
104
0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
58
Family households
46
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 58 55.8% 5.5%
Family households 46 44.2% -8.0%
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 Downtown Iowa City

The housing landscape of Downtown Iowa City

Downtown Iowa City's housing consists of 111 units, with 50% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.8% 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 1.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
111
-0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 56 50%
1 unit, attached 11 9.8%
2 units 4 3.6%
3 or 4 units 5 4.5%
5 to 9 units 10 8.9%
10 to 19 units 11 9.8%
20 to 49 units 8 7.1%
50 or more units 5 4.5%
Mobile home 2 1.8%
Homes built since 2020
2
100.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Downtown Iowa City

In Downtown Iowa City, the median construction year is 1981. About 15.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 14.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 17 15.4% -10.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2 1.8% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 11 10% 37.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 13 11.8% -7.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 15 13.6% -6.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 9 8.2% -10.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 12 10.9% 9.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 13 11.8% -7.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 16 14.6% 6.7%
Built in 2020 or later 2 1.8% 100.0%
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.

Downtown Iowa City occupancy rates

Out of the 104 occupied housing units in Downtown Iowa City, 54.8% are owner-occupied, while 45.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
104
0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
47
Owner occupied
57
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 47 45.2% -2.1%
Owner occupied 57 54.8% 1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
6.3%
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.

Downtown Iowa City housing costs

Housing costs in Downtown Iowa City come to a median of $1,196 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,154.

Median housing costs per month
$1,196/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 Downtown Iowa City
$1,154/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 Downtown Iowa City

Downtown Iowa City education at a glance

About 29.8% of the population in Downtown Iowa City went to high school, while 59.8% pursued college studies. Another 2.3% earned an associate degree and 4.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3 0.2% 0.0%
High school diploma 369 29.8% 10.2%
College diploma 741 59.8% 3.8%
Associate degree 29 2.3% 11.5%
Bachelor's degree 54 4.4% -1.8%
Graduate degree 43 3.5% -2.3%
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 Downtown Iowa City

How much people earn in Downtown Iowa City

The average annual household income in Downtown Iowa City was $51,230 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,490, reflecting a -0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Downtown Iowa City
$51,230/year
-1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Downtown Iowa City
$65,490/year
-0.1% year-over-year change

Downtown Iowa City income by age

In Downtown Iowa City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $79,889. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $94,824 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $27,548, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $69,602 in earnings. Overall, 75.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $27,548 -1.5%
25 - 44 $79,889 -2.9%
45 - 64 $94,824 2.0%
Over 65 $69,602 4.2%
Above poverty level
175
Below poverty level
58
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 175 75.1% -2.8%
Below poverty level 58 24.9% 7.4%

Employment in Downtown Iowa City

Workforce and job types in Downtown Iowa City

90.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.4% run their own businesses, 65.2% are employed by private companies, and 21.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
471
Blue collar
47
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 471 90.9% 9.0%
Blue collar 47 9.1% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
4.4%
Private companies
65.2%
Governmental workers
21.6%
Not for profit companies
8.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 23 4.4% 0.0%
Private companies 338 65.2% 8.3%
Governmental workers 112 21.6% 5.7%
Not for profit companies 45 8.7% 15.4%

Transportation in Downtown Iowa City

How people get around in Downtown Iowa City

Commuting methods vary: 30.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 61.5% 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 125 30.5% -0.8%
Bus or trolleybus 28 6.8% -9.7%
Motorcycle 1 0.2% 0.0%
Bicycle 4 1% 0.0%
Walk 252 61.5% 18.3%
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 Downtown Iowa City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
52240 35,074 15,417 $52,960 $81,157
52242 4,688 21 $0 $0
52245 22,853 9,543 $78,020 $103,699

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FAQs about Downtown Iowa City demographics 

What is the total population of Downtown Iowa City?

Downtown Iowa City has a total population of 1,278 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 +5.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Downtown Iowa City?

The gender ratio in Downtown Iowa City is as follows:
  • 44.7% males (571 residents)
  • 55.2% females (706 residents)

What is the median age in Downtown Iowa City?

The median age in Downtown Iowa City is 28.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Downtown Iowa City?

The age distribution in Downtown Iowa City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 1.9% (24 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 85.8% (1,095 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 5.4% (69 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 3.3% (42 residents)
  • Over 65: 3.7% (47 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Iowa City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Iowa City is as follows:
  • White: 83% (1,060 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4% (51 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 4.4% (56 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.5% (96 residents)
  • Other: 0.9% (12 residents)

What percentage of the population in Downtown Iowa City are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96% of the population in Downtown Iowa City.

How many housing units are there in Downtown Iowa City?

There are 111 housing units in Downtown Iowa City, reflecting a -0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Downtown Iowa City and what is the average household size?

Downtown Iowa City has a total of 104 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Downtown Iowa City?

Downtown Iowa City has a median household income of $65,490, representing a -0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Downtown Iowa City?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.9% (471 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.1% (47 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.4% (23 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.2% (338 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.6% (112 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.7% (45 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