Oelwein, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,834
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$46,653/yr
-6.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,884
-0.9% year-over-year change

Oelwein population

How many people live in Oelwein

Oelwein is home to 5,834 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.2% of Oelwein locals are male, and 52.8% are female.

Total population
5,834
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.2%
2,755
Female
52.8%
3,079
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,755 47.2% -3.0%
Female 3,079 52.8% 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 Oelwein is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 18% are children under 15, then 10.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26% of the population, while another 22.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
10.2%
25 to 44
26%
45 to 64
22.6%
Over 65
23.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,052 18% 4.6%
15 to 24 598 10.2% 11.8%
25 to 44 1,519 26% 0.4%
45 to 64 1,317 22.6% -14.7%
Over 65 1,348 23.1% 5.3%
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 Oelwein, 99.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 92.9% of locals are Caucasian, 0.1% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,799 99.4% -0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 35 0.6% -25.5%
Racial breakdown
White
92.9%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.3%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 5,422 92.9%
Black or African American 7 0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 40 0.7%
Asian 54 0.9%
Two or more races 311 5.3%

Households in Oelwein

A peek inside Oelwein households

Oelwein has 2,610 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.4% are families, while the remaining 47.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,610
2.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,242
Family households
1,368
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,242 47.6% 8.6%
Family households 1,368 52.4% -1.8%
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 Oelwein

The housing landscape of Oelwein

Oelwein's housing consists of 2,884 units, with 82.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1% 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
2,884
-0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,369 82.1%
1 unit, attached 30 1%
2 units 22 0.8%
3 or 4 units 260 9%
5 to 9 units 50 1.7%
10 to 19 units 22 0.8%
20 to 49 units 23 0.8%
Mobile home 108 3.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Oelwein

In Oelwein, the median construction year is 1950. About 39.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.5% 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 1,134 39.3% -2.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 304 10.5% -4.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 298 10.3% 4.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 288 10% 13.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 216 7.5% -30.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 280 9.7% 22.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 147 5.1% -19.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 51 1.8% 24.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 166 5.8% 25.8%
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.

Oelwein occupancy rates

Out of the 2,610 occupied housing units in Oelwein, 76.6% are owner-occupied, while 23.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,610
2.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
612
Owner occupied
1,998
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 612 23.4% 3.9%
Owner occupied 1,998 76.6% 2.6%
Unoccupied housing units
9.5%
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.

Oelwein housing costs

Housing costs in Oelwein come to a median of $836 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $847.

Median housing costs per month
$836/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 Oelwein
$847/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 Oelwein

Oelwein education at a glance

About 52.6% of the population in Oelwein went to high school, while 17% pursued college studies. Another 9.9% earned an associate degree and 10.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 168 3.7% 75.0%
High school diploma 2,379 52.6% -5.2%
College diploma 769 17% -14.9%
Associate degree 448 9.9% 7.7%
Bachelor's degree 456 10.1% 8.6%
Graduate degree 299 6.6% -2.9%
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 Oelwein

How much people earn in Oelwein

The average annual household income in Oelwein was $66,060 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $46,653, reflecting a -6.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Oelwein
$66,060/year
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Oelwein
$46,653/year
-6.4% year-over-year change

Oelwein income by age

In Oelwein, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $59,162. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $61,495 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $38,378, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $37,656 in earnings. Overall, 81.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $38,378 14.1%
25 - 44 $59,162 -34.5%
45 - 64 $61,495 3.9%
Over 65 $37,656 20.1%
Above poverty level
4,544
Below poverty level
1,053
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,544 81.2% -2.2%
Below poverty level 1,053 18.8% 7.6%

Average renter income in Oelwein

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Oelwein, their median household income was $25,074 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$25,074
Rent-to-income ratio
40.5%
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 Oelwein

Workforce and job types in Oelwein

The job market in Oelwein is powered by 2,266 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 62.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 37.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.8% run their own businesses, 67.6% are employed by private companies, and 14.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,266
-2.6% year-over-year change
White collar
1,421
Blue collar
845
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,421 62.7% 6.8%
Blue collar 845 37.3% -15.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9.8%
Private companies
67.6%
Governmental workers
14.8%
Not for profit companies
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 221 9.8% 11.6%
Private companies 1,531 67.6% -7.9%
Governmental workers 336 14.8% -3.2%
Not for profit companies 178 7.9% 49.6%
Unemployment rate
7.6%
-5.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Oelwein stands at 7.6%, 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 Oelwein

How people get around in Oelwein

Commuting methods vary: 88.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.2% 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 2,030 88.5% -1.0%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0% 0.0%
Bicycle 23 1% 4.5%
Walk 118 5.2% 61.6%
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 Oelwein by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50662 6,576 2,937 $48,646 $70,281

Explore more communities

FAQs about Oelwein demographics 

What is the total population of Oelwein?

Oelwein has a total population of 5,834 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 -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Oelwein?

The gender ratio in Oelwein is as follows:
  • 47.2% males (2,755 residents)
  • 52.8% females (3,079 residents)

What is the median age in Oelwein?

The median age in Oelwein is 42.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Oelwein?

The age distribution in Oelwein is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18% (1,052 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.2% (598 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26% (1,519 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.6% (1,317 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.1% (1,348 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Oelwein?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Oelwein is as follows:
  • White: 92.9% (5,422 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (7 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (40 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (54 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.3% (311 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.4% of the population in Oelwein.

How many housing units are there in Oelwein?

There are 2,884 housing units in Oelwein, reflecting a -0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Oelwein has a total of 2,610 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Oelwein?

Oelwein has a median household income of $46,653, representing a -6.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92.4% in Oelwein, with a workforce of 2,266 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 62.7% (1,421 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 37.3% (845 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.8% (221 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.6% (1,531 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.8% (336 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.9% (178 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