Okoboji, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
969
20.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,000/yr
23.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,368
3.1% year-over-year change

Okoboji population

How many people live in Okoboji

Okoboji is home to 969 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50% of Okoboji locals are male, and 50% are female.

Total population
969
20.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50%
485
Female
50%
484
Value Percent YoY change
Male 485 50% 25.0%
Female 484 50% 15.8%
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 Okoboji is 51, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.4% are children under 15, then 5.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23% of the population, while another 20% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 35.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
51.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.4%
15 to 24
5.2%
25 to 44
23%
45 to 64
20%
Over 65
35.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 159 16.4% 28.2%
15 to 24 50 5.2% -43.8%
25 to 44 223 23% 37.6%
45 to 64 194 20% 32.0%
Over 65 343 35.4% 20.8%
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 Okoboji, 99.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 964 99.5% 28.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4 0.4% 0.0%
Non-citizens 1 0.1% -98.0%
Racial breakdown
White
95.9%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 929 95.9%
Asian 1 0.1%
Two or more races 39 4%

Households in Okoboji

A peek inside Okoboji households

Okoboji has 542 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 43.7% are families, while the remaining 56.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
542
19.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
305
Family households
237
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 305 56.3% 4.5%
Family households 237 43.7% 46.3%
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 Okoboji

The housing landscape of Okoboji

Okoboji's housing consists of 1,368 units, with 45.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.4% 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 11.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,368
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 618 45.2%
1 unit, attached 46 3.4%
2 units 3 0.2%
3 or 4 units 64 4.7%
5 to 9 units 191 14%
10 to 19 units 265 19.4%
20 to 49 units 21 1.5%
Mobile home 160 11.7%
Homes built since 2020
27
50.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Okoboji

In Okoboji, the median construction year is 1979. About 13.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 184 13.4% -9.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4 0.3% -84.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 103 7.5% 3.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 79 5.8% -21.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 365 26.7% 39.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 70 5.1% 14.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 207 15.1% 5.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 222 16.2% -4.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 107 7.8% -15.1%
Built in 2020 or later 27 2% 50.0%
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.

Okoboji occupancy rates

Out of the 542 occupied housing units in Okoboji, 67.5% are owner-occupied, while 32.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 60.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
542
19.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
176
Owner occupied
366
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 176 32.5% 17.3%
Owner occupied 366 67.5% 20.4%
Unoccupied housing units
60.4%
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.

Okoboji housing costs

Housing costs in Okoboji come to a median of $957 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $942.

Median housing costs per month
$957/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 Okoboji
$942/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 Okoboji

Okoboji education at a glance

About 19% of the population in Okoboji went to high school, while 20% pursued college studies. Another 12% earned an associate degree and 34.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7 0.9% 75.0%
High school diploma 150 19% -3.2%
College diploma 158 20% -11.7%
Associate degree 95 12% 28.4%
Bachelor's degree 275 34.8% 37.5%
Graduate degree 104 13.2% 85.7%
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 Okoboji

How much people earn in Okoboji

The average annual household income in Okoboji was $108,292 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,000, reflecting a +23.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Okoboji
$108,292/year
6.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Okoboji
$73,000/year
23.4% year-over-year change

Okoboji income by age

In Okoboji, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $73,165. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $93,750 overall. Overall, 88.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $73,165 3.4%
45 - 64 $93,750 66.7%
Over 65 $71,940 21.1%
Above poverty level
830
Below poverty level
105
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 830 88.8% 26.1%
Below poverty level 105 11.2% -7.9%

Average renter income in Okoboji

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Okoboji, their median household income was $30,357 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,357
Rent-to-income ratio
37.2%
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 Okoboji

Workforce and job types in Okoboji

The job market in Okoboji is powered by 489 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.5% run their own businesses, 67.5% are employed by private companies, and 11% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
489
21.6% year-over-year change
White collar
407
Blue collar
82
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 407 83.2% 30.4%
Blue collar 82 16.8% -8.9%
Employer type
Self employees
15.5%
Private companies
67.5%
Governmental workers
11%
Not for profit companies
5.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 76 15.5% 49.0%
Private companies 330 67.5% 15.4%
Governmental workers 54 11% 17.4%
Not for profit companies 29 5.9% 52.6%
Unemployment rate
1.6%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Okoboji stands at 1.6%, 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 Okoboji

How people get around in Okoboji

Commuting methods vary: 75.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% 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 357 75.6% 30.8%
Taxicab 1 0.2% N/A
Walk 3 0.6% 50.0%
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 Okoboji by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51355 1,048 614 $72,262 $109,036

Explore more communities

FAQs about Okoboji demographics 

What is the total population of Okoboji?

Okoboji has a total population of 969 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 +20.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Okoboji?

The gender ratio in Okoboji is as follows:
  • 50% males (485 residents)
  • 50% females (484 residents)

What is the median age in Okoboji?

The median age in Okoboji is 51.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Okoboji?

The age distribution in Okoboji is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.4% (159 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.2% (50 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23% (223 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20% (194 residents)
  • Over 65: 35.4% (343 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Okoboji?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Okoboji is as follows:
  • White: 95.9% (929 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (1 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4% (39 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.5% of the population in Okoboji.

How many housing units are there in Okoboji?

There are 1,368 housing units in Okoboji, reflecting a +3.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Okoboji has a total of 542 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Okoboji?

Okoboji has a median household income of $73,000, representing a +23.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.4% in Okoboji, with a workforce of 489 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.2% (407 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.8% (82 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.5% (76 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.5% (330 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11% (54 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.9% (29 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