Mills County, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
14,568
0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$90,753/yr
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,134
0.2% year-over-year change

Mills County population

How many people live in Mills County

Mills County is home to 14,568 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of Mills County locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
14,568
0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
7,275
Female
50.1%
7,293
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,275 49.9% 0.5%
Female 7,293 50.1% -0.4%
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 Mills County is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 11.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.6% of the population, while another 26.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 44
23.6%
45 to 64
26.7%
Over 65
20%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,713 18.6% -1.3%
15 to 24 1,612 11.1% 0.8%
25 to 44 3,434 23.6% 1.3%
45 to 64 3,888 26.7% -1.2%
Over 65 2,921 20% 1.0%
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 Mills County, 98.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 93.4% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.5%
Non-citizens
0.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,302 98.2% 0.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 219 1.5% 24.4%
Non-citizens 47 0.3% -46.0%
Racial breakdown
White
93.4%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.1%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 13,605 93.4%
Black or African American 59 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 16 0.1%
Asian 82 0.6%
Two or more races 744 5.1%
Other 62 0.4%

Households in Mills County

A peek inside Mills County households

Mills County has 5,394 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 69.9% are families, while the remaining 30.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,394
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,624
Family households
3,770
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,624 30.1% -5.3%
Family households 3,770 69.9% 3.7%
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 Mills County

The housing landscape of Mills County

Mills County's housing consists of 6,134 units, with 84.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.8% 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 3.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,134
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,174 84.4%
1 unit, attached 108 1.8%
2 units 128 2.1%
3 or 4 units 251 4.1%
5 to 9 units 140 2.3%
10 to 19 units 30 0.5%
20 to 49 units 43 0.7%
50 or more units 32 0.5%
Mobile home 227 3.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 1 0%
Homes built since 2020
89
93.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Mills County

In Mills County, the median construction year is 1972. About 29.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,823 29.7% 2.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 217 3.5% 22.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 258 4.2% 54.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 551 9% -9.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 905 14.8% -17.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 272 4.4% 0.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 885 14.4% -3.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 736 12% 3.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 398 6.5% 11.8%
Built in 2020 or later 89 1.4% 93.5%
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.

Mills County occupancy rates

Out of the 5,394 occupied housing units in Mills County, 83.5% are owner-occupied, while 16.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,394
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
888
Owner occupied
4,506
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 888 16.5% 5.0%
Owner occupied 4,506 83.5% 0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
12.1%
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.

Mills County housing costs

Housing costs in Mills County come to a median of $1,136 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $959.

Median housing costs per month
$1,136/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 Mills County
$959/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 Mills County

Mills County education at a glance

About 31.2% of the population in Mills County went to high school, while 25.2% pursued college studies. Another 13.3% earned an associate degree and 20.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 157 1.4% 10.6%
High school diploma 3,506 31.2% -0.7%
College diploma 2,830 25.2% 2.3%
Associate degree 1,500 13.3% 5.9%
Bachelor's degree 2,259 20.1% -3.4%
Graduate degree 990 8.8% -1.6%
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 Mills County

How much people earn in Mills County

The average annual household income in Mills County was $109,810 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $90,753, reflecting a +3.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Mills County
$109,810/year
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Mills County
$90,753/year
3.4% year-over-year change

Mills County income by age

In Mills County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $102,120. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $122,826 overall. Overall, 91.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $102,120 8.8%
45 - 64 $122,826 9.7%
Over 65 $57,837 -3.1%
Above poverty level
13,165
Below poverty level
1,178
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 13,165 91.8% -1.1%
Below poverty level 1,178 8.2% 19.4%

Employment in Mills County

Workforce and job types in Mills County

The job market in Mills County is powered by 6,929 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.7% run their own businesses, 59.7% are employed by private companies, and 19.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,929
-0.6% year-over-year change
White collar
5,197
Blue collar
1,732
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,197 75% -2.0%
Blue collar 1,732 25% 4.1%
Employer type
Self employees
10.7%
Private companies
59.7%
Governmental workers
19.9%
Not for profit companies
9.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 741 10.7% 7.9%
Private companies 4,138 59.7% 1.1%
Governmental workers 1,379 19.9% -4.1%
Not for profit companies 671 9.7% -10.5%
Unemployment rate
2.0%
-29.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Mills County stands at 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 Mills County

How people get around in Mills County

In Mills County, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
26 min
3.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,922 84.8% -1.6%
Motorcycle 2 0% -33.3%
Bicycle 10 0.1% 66.7%
Walk 317 4.5% -9.4%
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 Mills County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51503 37,972 15,442 $79,010 $100,080
51533 844 359 $68,750 $79,230
51534 8,874 3,393 $93,646 $105,598
51540 372 141 $84,375 $106,637
51541 273 99 $91,875 $129,420
51551 1,842 633 $85,469 $126,152
51554 194 38 $102,692 $117,279
51561 1,039 374 $113,421 $125,869
51571 902 271 $95,250 $125,524
51645 419 125 $217,898 $174,186

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FAQs about Mills County demographics 

What is the total population of Mills County?

Mills County has a total population of 14,568 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 +0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Mills County?

The gender ratio in Mills County is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (7,275 residents)
  • 50.1% females (7,293 residents)

What is the median age in Mills County?

The median age in Mills County is 42.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Mills County?

The age distribution in Mills County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (2,713 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.1% (1,612 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.6% (3,434 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.7% (3,888 residents)
  • Over 65: 20% (2,921 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Mills County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Mills County is as follows:
  • White: 93.4% (13,605 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (59 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (16 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (82 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.1% (744 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (62 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.2% of the population in Mills County.

How many housing units are there in Mills County?

There are 6,134 housing units in Mills County, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Mills County has a total of 5,394 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Mills County?

Mills County has a median household income of $90,753, representing a +3.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Mills County?

The employment rate is 98% in Mills County, with a workforce of 6,929 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75% (5,197 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25% (1,732 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.7% (741 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.7% (4,138 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.9% (1,379 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.7% (671 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