Malvern, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,323
-6.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$84,223/yr
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
534
-5.0% year-over-year change

Malvern population

How many people live in Malvern

Malvern is home to 1,323 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.5% of Malvern locals are male, and 52.5% are female.

Total population
1,323
-6.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.5%
628
Female
52.5%
695
Value Percent YoY change
Male 628 47.5% -9.1%
Female 695 52.5% -4.0%
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 Malvern is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.7% are children under 15, then 11% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.8% of the population, while another 24.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.7%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 44
26.8%
45 to 64
24.6%
Over 65
20%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 234 17.7% -1.7%
15 to 24 145 11% -29.3%
25 to 44 355 26.8% 2.6%
45 to 64 325 24.6% -4.4%
Over 65 264 20% -7.7%
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 Malvern, 99% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 97.6% of locals are Caucasian, 0.1% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 1.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,310 99% -7.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 13 1% 116.7%
Racial breakdown
White
97.6%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.3%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,291 97.6%
Black or African American 1 0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0.4%
Asian 8 0.6%
Two or more races 17 1.3%

Households in Malvern

A peek inside Malvern households

Malvern has 455 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 64% are families, while the remaining 36% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
455
-6.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
164
Family households
291
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 164 36% -9.9%
Family households 291 64% -3.6%
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 Malvern

The housing landscape of Malvern

Malvern's housing consists of 534 units, with 84.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.2% 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 5.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
534
-5.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 452 84.6%
1 unit, attached 12 2.2%
3 or 4 units 17 3.2%
20 to 49 units 25 4.7%
Mobile home 28 5.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Malvern

In Malvern, the median construction year is 1948. About 45.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6% 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 242 45.3% -8.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 32 6% 10.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 37 6.9% 8.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 64 12% 30.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 91 17% -4.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 11 2.1% -21.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 19 3.6% -5.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 28 5.2% -31.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 10 1.9% -37.5%
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.

Malvern occupancy rates

Out of the 455 occupied housing units in Malvern, 83.5% are owner-occupied, while 16.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
455
-6.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
75
Owner occupied
380
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 75 16.5% 5.6%
Owner occupied 380 83.5% -8.0%
Unoccupied housing units
14.8%
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.

Malvern housing costs

Housing costs in Malvern come to a median of $1,106 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $839.

Median housing costs per month
$1,106/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 Malvern
$839/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 Malvern

Malvern education at a glance

About 38.6% of the population in Malvern went to high school, while 20.8% pursued college studies. Another 15.6% earned an associate degree and 19.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4 0.4% -80.0%
High school diploma 402 38.6% -3.4%
College diploma 217 20.8% -0.9%
Associate degree 162 15.6% 0.6%
Bachelor's degree 204 19.6% -16.4%
Graduate degree 52 5% -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 Malvern

How much people earn in Malvern

The average annual household income in Malvern was $130,065 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $84,223, reflecting a +2.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Malvern
$130,065/year
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Malvern
$84,223/year
2.7% year-over-year change

Malvern income by age

In Malvern, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $84,333. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $94,205 overall. Overall, 93.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $84,333 4.7%
45 - 64 $94,205 2.5%
Over 65 $70,655 4.0%
Above poverty level
1,196
Below poverty level
82
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,196 93.6% -7.6%
Below poverty level 82 6.4% 15.5%

Average renter income in Malvern

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Malvern, their median household income was $57,222 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 17.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$57,222
Rent-to-income ratio
17.6%
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 Malvern

Workforce and job types in Malvern

The job market in Malvern is powered by 624 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.9% run their own businesses, 62.8% are employed by private companies, and 20.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
624
-9.4% year-over-year change
White collar
494
Blue collar
130
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 494 79.2% -3.5%
Blue collar 130 20.8% -26.6%
Employer type
Self employees
5.9%
Private companies
62.8%
Governmental workers
20.8%
Not for profit companies
10.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 37 5.9% -31.5%
Private companies 392 62.8% -16.6%
Governmental workers 130 20.8% 9.2%
Not for profit companies 65 10.4% 41.3%
Unemployment rate
1.0%
-86.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Malvern stands at 1%, 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 Malvern

How people get around in Malvern

Commuting methods vary: 95.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% 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 598 95.1% -4.5%
Walk 12 1.9% -77.8%
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 Malvern by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51551 1,842 633 $85,469 $126,152

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FAQs about Malvern demographics 

What is the total population of Malvern?

Malvern has a total population of 1,323 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 -6.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Malvern?

The gender ratio in Malvern is as follows:
  • 47.5% males (628 residents)
  • 52.5% females (695 residents)

What is the median age in Malvern?

The median age in Malvern is 42.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Malvern?

The age distribution in Malvern is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.7% (234 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11% (145 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.8% (355 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.6% (325 residents)
  • Over 65: 20% (264 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Malvern?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Malvern is as follows:
  • White: 97.6% (1,291 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (1 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (8 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.3% (17 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99% of the population in Malvern.

How many housing units are there in Malvern?

There are 534 housing units in Malvern, reflecting a -5.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Malvern has a total of 455 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Malvern?

Malvern has a median household income of $84,223, representing a +2.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 99% in Malvern, with a workforce of 624 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.2% (494 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.8% (130 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.9% (37 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.8% (392 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.8% (130 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.4% (65 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