Lewis, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
461
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$36,691/yr
6.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
247
-1.2% year-over-year change

Lewis population

How many people live in Lewis

Lewis is home to 461 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.3% of Lewis locals are male, and 49.7% are female.

Total population
461
-0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
232
Female
49.7%
229
Value Percent YoY change
Male 232 50.3% -0.4%
Female 229 49.7% -1.3%
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 Lewis is 59, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.2% are children under 15, then 7.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 15.4% of the population, while another 32.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 31.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
58.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.2%
15 to 24
7.6%
25 to 44
15.4%
45 to 64
32.1%
Over 65
31.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 61 13.2% -11.6%
15 to 24 35 7.6% 6.1%
25 to 44 71 15.4% 26.8%
45 to 64 148 32.1% -3.9%
Over 65 146 31.7% -4.6%
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 Lewis, 99.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 8.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 459 99.6% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2 0.4% -33.3%
Racial breakdown
White
91.3%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.7%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 421 91.3%
Two or more races 40 8.7%

Households in Lewis

A peek inside Lewis households

Lewis has 230 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.2% are families, while the remaining 37.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
230
-0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
87
Family households
143
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 87 37.8% 6.1%
Family households 143 62.2% -4.0%
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 Lewis

The housing landscape of Lewis

Lewis's housing consists of 247 units, with 83.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
247
-1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 207 83.8%
3 or 4 units 19 7.7%
Mobile home 21 8.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lewis

In Lewis, the median construction year is 1938. 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 151 61.1% 4.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 19 7.7% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 30 12.2% 20.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8 3.2% -60.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 20 8.1% -9.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 10 4% 25.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4 1.6% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5 2% -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.

Lewis occupancy rates

Out of the 230 occupied housing units in Lewis, 85.2% are owner-occupied, while 14.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
230
-0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
34
Owner occupied
196
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 34 14.8% 25.9%
Owner occupied 196 85.2% -3.9%
Unoccupied housing units
6.9%
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.

Lewis housing costs

Housing costs in Lewis come to a median of $495 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $838.

Median housing costs per month
$495/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 Lewis
$838/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 Lewis

Lewis education at a glance

About 36.1% of the population in Lewis went to high school, while 49.6% pursued college studies. Another 5.4% earned an associate degree and 4.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 0.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 15 3.9% -11.8%
High school diploma 139 36.1% -6.1%
College diploma 191 49.6% 3.2%
Associate degree 21 5.4% -4.5%
Bachelor's degree 18 4.7% 50.0%
Graduate degree 1 0.3% 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 Lewis

How much people earn in Lewis

The average annual household income in Lewis was $53,503 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $36,691, reflecting a +6.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lewis
$53,503/year
4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lewis
$36,691/year
6.8% year-over-year change

Lewis income by age

In Lewis, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $93,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $36,780 overall. Overall, 86% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $93,750 31.6%
45 - 64 $36,780 7.1%
Over 65 $31,875 4.1%
Above poverty level
393
Below poverty level
64
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 393 86% -0.5%
Below poverty level 64 14% -4.5%

Average renter income in Lewis

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lewis, their median household income was $30,313 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,313
Rent-to-income ratio
33.2%
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 Lewis

Workforce and job types in Lewis

The job market in Lewis is powered by 150 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.3% run their own businesses, 56.7% are employed by private companies, and 26% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
150
5.6% year-over-year change
White collar
99
Blue collar
51
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 99 66% 16.5%
Blue collar 51 34% -10.5%
Employer type
Self employees
3.3%
Private companies
56.7%
Governmental workers
26%
Not for profit companies
14%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5 3.3% -54.5%
Private companies 85 56.7% -5.6%
Governmental workers 39 26% 95.0%
Not for profit companies 21 14% 0.0%
Unemployment rate
6.2%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lewis stands at 6.2%, 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 Lewis

How people get around in Lewis

Commuting methods vary: 90% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2% 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 135 90% -1.5%
Walk 3 2% 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 Lewis by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51544 793 321 $48,313 $65,914

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FAQs about Lewis demographics 

What is the total population of Lewis?

Lewis has a total population of 461 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 -0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lewis?

The gender ratio in Lewis is as follows:
  • 50.3% males (232 residents)
  • 49.7% females (229 residents)

What is the median age in Lewis?

The median age in Lewis is 58.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lewis?

The age distribution in Lewis is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.2% (61 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.6% (35 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 15.4% (71 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 32.1% (148 residents)
  • Over 65: 31.7% (146 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lewis?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lewis is as follows:
  • White: 91.3% (421 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.7% (40 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.6% of the population in Lewis.

How many housing units are there in Lewis?

There are 247 housing units in Lewis, reflecting a -1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lewis has a total of 230 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lewis?

Lewis has a median household income of $36,691, representing a +6.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.8% in Lewis, with a workforce of 150 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66% (99 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34% (51 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.3% (5 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.7% (85 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 26% (39 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14% (21 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