Northwood, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,040
-6.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,450/yr
-1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
936
-2.6% year-over-year change

Northwood population

How many people live in Northwood

Northwood is home to 2,040 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.6% of Northwood locals are male, and 53.4% are female.

Total population
2,040
-6.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.6%
951
Female
53.4%
1,089
Value Percent YoY change
Male 951 46.6% -8.4%
Female 1,089 53.4% -3.8%
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 Northwood is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.6% are children under 15, then 9.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.8% of the population, while another 28.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.6%
15 to 24
9.5%
25 to 44
21.8%
45 to 64
28.5%
Over 65
24.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 319 15.6% -7.3%
15 to 24 193 9.5% -26.9%
25 to 44 444 21.8% -4.9%
45 to 64 582 28.5% -7.6%
Over 65 502 24.6% 8.0%
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 Northwood, 97.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 95.1% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 1.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.7%
Non-citizens
2.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,983 97.2% -6.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 15 0.7% 15.4%
Non-citizens 42 2.1% 35.5%
Racial breakdown
White
95.1%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.4%
Other
0.3%
Value Percent
White 1,940 95.1%
Black or African American 8 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0.2%
Asian 33 1.6%
Two or more races 48 2.4%
Other 6 0.3%

Households in Northwood

A peek inside Northwood households

Northwood has 909 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.5% are families, while the remaining 37.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
909
-2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
341
Family households
568
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 341 37.5% -6.3%
Family households 568 62.5% 0.3%
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 Northwood

The housing landscape of Northwood

Northwood's housing consists of 936 units, with 85.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.3% 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 1.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
936
-2.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 802 85.7%
1 unit, attached 12 1.3%
3 or 4 units 46 4.9%
5 to 9 units 9 1%
10 to 19 units 13 1.4%
20 to 49 units 44 4.7%
Mobile home 10 1.1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Northwood

In Northwood, the median construction year is 1951. About 41.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.7% 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 390 41.7% 3.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 72 7.7% -7.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 115 12.3% -24.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 99 10.6% -6.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 80 8.6% -16.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 63 6.7% 70.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 65 6.9% 6.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 33 3.5% -13.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 19 2% 18.8%
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.

Northwood occupancy rates

Out of the 909 occupied housing units in Northwood, 82.5% are owner-occupied, while 17.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
909
-2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
159
Owner occupied
750
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 159 17.5% -6.5%
Owner occupied 750 82.5% -1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
2.9%
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.

Northwood housing costs

Housing costs in Northwood come to a median of $974 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $706.

Median housing costs per month
$974/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 Northwood
$706/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 Northwood

Northwood education at a glance

About 45.4% of the population in Northwood went to high school, while 25.3% pursued college studies. Another 13.1% earned an associate degree and 11.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 25 1.5% 150.0%
High school diploma 751 45.4% -3.4%
College diploma 419 25.3% -1.2%
Associate degree 216 13.1% -11.1%
Bachelor's degree 197 11.9% -7.5%
Graduate degree 46 2.8% -39.5%
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 Northwood

How much people earn in Northwood

The average annual household income in Northwood was $82,437 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,450, reflecting a -1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Northwood
$82,437/year
8.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Northwood
$63,450/year
-1.8% year-over-year change

Northwood income by age

In Northwood, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $68,015. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,550 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,625, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $46,667 in earnings. Overall, 91.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,625 -58.8%
25 - 44 $68,015 9.3%
45 - 64 $84,550 -6.3%
Over 65 $46,667 6.1%
Above poverty level
1,794
Below poverty level
174
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,794 91.2% -9.0%
Below poverty level 174 8.8% 59.6%

Average renter income in Northwood

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Northwood, their median household income was $37,898 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 22.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$37,898
Rent-to-income ratio
22.4%
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 Northwood

Workforce and job types in Northwood

The job market in Northwood is powered by 1,002 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 61.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 38.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.6% run their own businesses, 66.3% are employed by private companies, and 12.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,002
-12.6% year-over-year change
White collar
615
Blue collar
387
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 615 61.4% -16.7%
Blue collar 387 38.6% -5.2%
Employer type
Self employees
8.6%
Private companies
66.3%
Governmental workers
12.4%
Not for profit companies
12.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 86 8.6% -28.3%
Private companies 664 66.3% -7.3%
Governmental workers 124 12.4% -10.1%
Not for profit companies 128 12.8% -25.6%
Unemployment rate
7.9%
56.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Northwood stands at 7.9%, 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 Northwood

How people get around in Northwood

Commuting methods vary: 90% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.5% 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 886 90% -11.8%
Motorcycle 19 1.9% -17.4%
Bicycle 11 1.1% N/A
Walk 5 0.5% -66.7%
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 Northwood by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50459 3,045 1,276 $71,618 $95,408

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FAQs about Northwood demographics 

What is the total population of Northwood?

Northwood has a total population of 2,040 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 -6.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Northwood?

The gender ratio in Northwood is as follows:
  • 46.6% males (951 residents)
  • 53.4% females (1,089 residents)

What is the median age in Northwood?

The median age in Northwood is 47.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Northwood?

The age distribution in Northwood is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.6% (319 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.5% (193 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.8% (444 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.5% (582 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.6% (502 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Northwood?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Northwood is as follows:
  • White: 95.1% (1,940 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (8 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 1.6% (33 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.4% (48 residents)
  • Other: 0.3% (6 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.2% of the population in Northwood.

How many housing units are there in Northwood?

There are 936 housing units in Northwood, reflecting a -2.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Northwood has a total of 909 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Northwood?

Northwood has a median household income of $63,450, representing a -1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92.1% in Northwood, with a workforce of 1,002 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61.4% (615 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 38.6% (387 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.6% (86 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.3% (664 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.4% (124 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.8% (128 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