Muscatine, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
23,489
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,117/yr
-2.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,411
-0.8% year-over-year change

Muscatine population

How many people live in Muscatine

Muscatine is home to 23,489 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.4% of Muscatine locals are male, and 49.6% are female.

Total population
23,489
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
11,831
Female
49.6%
11,658
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,831 50.4% -0.9%
Female 11,658 49.6% 0.2%
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 Muscatine is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.5% are children under 15, then 13.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.6% of the population, while another 22.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.5%
15 to 24
13.6%
25 to 44
25.6%
45 to 64
22.7%
Over 65
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,814 20.5% -1.9%
15 to 24 3,192 13.6% 2.5%
25 to 44 6,004 25.6% -3.2%
45 to 64 5,340 22.7% -3.2%
Over 65 4,139 17.6% 8.2%
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 Muscatine, 92.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 77.9% of locals are Caucasian, 3.6% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.4%
Non-citizens
4.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 21,723 92.5% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 799 3.4% -10.5%
Non-citizens 967 4.1% -9.0%
Racial breakdown
White
77.9%
Black or African American
3.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.1%
Other
8.4%
Value Percent
White 18,295 77.9%
Black or African American 851 3.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 53 0.2%
Asian 200 0.8%
Two or more races 2,127 9.1%
Other 1,963 8.4%

Households in Muscatine

A peek inside Muscatine households

Muscatine has 9,640 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
9,640
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,871
Family households
5,769
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,871 40.2% 8.7%
Family households 5,769 59.8% -4.1%
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 Muscatine

The housing landscape of Muscatine

Muscatine's housing consists of 10,411 units, with 70.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.9% 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 4.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,411
-0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,359 70.7%
1 unit, attached 301 2.9%
2 units 652 6.3%
3 or 4 units 575 5.5%
5 to 9 units 180 1.7%
10 to 19 units 421 4%
20 to 49 units 147 1.4%
50 or more units 271 2.6%
Mobile home 505 4.8%
Homes built since 2020
39
160.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Muscatine

In Muscatine, the median construction year is 1963. About 32% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,330 32% -9.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 553 5.3% 8.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 930 8.9% 6.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,185 11.4% 5.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,513 14.5% 5.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 829 8% -2.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 998 9.6% -4.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 751 7.2% 5.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 283 2.7% 11.9%
Built in 2020 or later 39 0.4% 160.0%
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.

Muscatine occupancy rates

Out of the 9,640 occupied housing units in Muscatine, 66.5% are owner-occupied, while 33.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,640
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,233
Owner occupied
6,407
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,233 33.5% 7.7%
Owner occupied 6,407 66.5% -2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
7.4%
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.

Muscatine housing costs

Housing costs in Muscatine come to a median of $981 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $974.

Median housing costs per month
$981/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 Muscatine
$974/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 Muscatine

Muscatine education at a glance

About 47.5% of the population in Muscatine went to high school, while 21.1% pursued college studies. Another 9.1% earned an associate degree and 14.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 547 3.1% -4.7%
High school diploma 8,401 47.5% 3.1%
College diploma 3,738 21.1% -2.0%
Associate degree 1,610 9.1% -11.1%
Bachelor's degree 2,540 14.4% -4.8%
Graduate degree 866 4.9% 14.2%
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 Muscatine

How much people earn in Muscatine

The average annual household income in Muscatine was $73,235 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,117, reflecting a -2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Muscatine
$73,235/year
-3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Muscatine
$58,117/year
-2.0% year-over-year change

Muscatine income by age

In Muscatine, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $71,031. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $59,208 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $43,112, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,714 in earnings. Overall, 81.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $43,112 5.3%
25 - 44 $71,031 -1.9%
45 - 64 $59,208 0.9%
Over 65 $44,714 -0.6%
Above poverty level
18,427
Below poverty level
4,298
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 18,427 81.1% -3.5%
Below poverty level 4,298 18.9% 13.5%

Average renter income in Muscatine

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Muscatine, their median household income was $34,881 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$34,881
Rent-to-income ratio
33.5%
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 Muscatine

Workforce and job types in Muscatine

The job market in Muscatine is powered by 10,852 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7% run their own businesses, 70% are employed by private companies, and 13% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
10,852
-4.7% year-over-year change
White collar
7,203
Blue collar
3,649
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,203 66.4% -2.7%
Blue collar 3,649 33.6% -8.5%
Employer type
Self employees
7%
Private companies
70%
Governmental workers
13%
Not for profit companies
9.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 763 7% -6.4%
Private companies 7,597 70% -5.8%
Governmental workers 1,413 13% -5.1%
Not for profit companies 1,079 9.9% 5.7%
Unemployment rate
4.3%
-9.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Muscatine stands at 4.3%, 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 Muscatine

How people get around in Muscatine

In Muscatine, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 89.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
16 min
-5.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 9,698 89.7% -5.1%
Taxicab 3 0% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 25 0.2% -69.9%
Motorcycle 17 0.2% -15.0%
Bicycle 9 0.1% 0.0%
Walk 294 2.7% 22.0%
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 Muscatine by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
52761 29,474 11,932 $62,098 $81,712

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FAQs about Muscatine demographics 

What is the total population of Muscatine?

Muscatine has a total population of 23,489 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 -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Muscatine?

The gender ratio in Muscatine is as follows:
  • 50.4% males (11,831 residents)
  • 49.6% females (11,658 residents)

What is the median age in Muscatine?

The median age in Muscatine is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Muscatine?

The age distribution in Muscatine is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.5% (4,814 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.6% (3,192 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.6% (6,004 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.7% (5,340 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.6% (4,139 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Muscatine?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Muscatine is as follows:
  • White: 77.9% (18,295 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.6% (851 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (53 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (200 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.1% (2,127 residents)
  • Other: 8.4% (1,963 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.5% of the population in Muscatine.

How many housing units are there in Muscatine?

There are 10,411 housing units in Muscatine, reflecting a -0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Muscatine has a total of 9,640 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Muscatine?

Muscatine has a median household income of $58,117, representing a -2.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.7% in Muscatine, with a workforce of 10,852 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.4% (7,203 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.6% (3,649 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7% (763 residents)
  • Private companies: 70% (7,597 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13% (1,413 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.9% (1,079 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