Onawa, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,839
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,143/yr
13.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,369
0.0% year-over-year change

Onawa population

How many people live in Onawa

Onawa is home to 2,839 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.9% of Onawa locals are male, and 54.1% are female.

Total population
2,839
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.9%
1,304
Female
54.1%
1,535
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,304 45.9% -1.1%
Female 1,535 54.1% -0.6%
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 Onawa is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.3% are children under 15, then 13.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.8% of the population, while another 17% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.3%
15 to 24
13.5%
25 to 44
26.8%
45 to 64
17%
Over 65
21.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 604 21.3% 4.3%
15 to 24 383 13.5% 11.0%
25 to 44 761 26.8% -3.1%
45 to 64 482 17% -18.0%
Over 65 609 21.4% 7.8%
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

There’s also a share of 5.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,839 100% 0.3%
Racial breakdown
White
94%
Black or African American
0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.2%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 2,670 94%
Black or African American 14 0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0.2%
Two or more races 149 5.2%

Households in Onawa

A peek inside Onawa households

Onawa has 1,256 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.5% are families, while the remaining 44.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,256
-0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
559
Family households
697
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 559 44.5% 1.6%
Family households 697 55.5% -2.8%
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 Onawa

The housing landscape of Onawa

Onawa's housing consists of 1,369 units, with 83.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.1% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,369
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,145 83.6%
1 unit, attached 15 1.1%
2 units 41 3%
3 or 4 units 21 1.5%
5 to 9 units 41 3%
20 to 49 units 57 4.2%
50 or more units 47 3.4%
Mobile home 2 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
15
25.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Onawa

In Onawa, the median construction year is 1960. About 32.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 441 32.2% -3.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 83 6.1% 7.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 167 12.2% 12.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 108 7.9% -38.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 205 15% 21.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 136 9.9% 65.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 130 9.5% 8.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 56 4.1% 24.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 28 2% -66.7%
Built in 2020 or later 15 1.1% 25.0%
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.

Onawa occupancy rates

Out of the 1,256 occupied housing units in Onawa, 73.7% are owner-occupied, while 26.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,256
-0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
330
Owner occupied
926
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 330 26.3% -4.6%
Owner occupied 926 73.7% 0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
8.3%
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.

Onawa housing costs

Housing costs in Onawa come to a median of $999 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,037.

Median housing costs per month
$999/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 Onawa
$1,037/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 Onawa

Onawa education at a glance

About 43.1% of the population in Onawa went to high school, while 26.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 12.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 46 2.2% 58.6%
High school diploma 909 43.1% -10.2%
College diploma 565 26.8% -4.1%
Associate degree 205 9.7% 2.0%
Bachelor's degree 265 12.6% 27.4%
Graduate degree 121 5.7% 2.5%
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 Onawa

How much people earn in Onawa

The average annual household income in Onawa was $69,895 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $62,143, reflecting a +13.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Onawa
$69,895/year
6.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Onawa
$62,143/year
13.7% year-over-year change

Onawa income by age

In Onawa, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $91,989. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,676 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $45,455, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $36,061 in earnings. Overall, 83.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $45,455 0.9%
25 - 44 $91,989 14.2%
45 - 64 $74,676 1.6%
Over 65 $36,061 25.6%
Above poverty level
2,277
Below poverty level
446
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,277 83.6% -0.5%
Below poverty level 446 16.4% -0.2%

Average renter income in Onawa

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Onawa, their median household income was $24,315 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 51.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,315
Rent-to-income ratio
51.2%
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 Onawa

Workforce and job types in Onawa

The job market in Onawa is powered by 1,270 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.6% run their own businesses, 69.3% are employed by private companies, and 15.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,270
-3.9% year-over-year change
White collar
883
Blue collar
387
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 883 69.5% -4.5%
Blue collar 387 30.5% -2.3%
Employer type
Self employees
11.6%
Private companies
69.3%
Governmental workers
15.5%
Not for profit companies
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 147 11.6% -4.5%
Private companies 880 69.3% -6.3%
Governmental workers 197 15.5% 37.8%
Not for profit companies 46 3.6% -45.9%
Unemployment rate
1.2%
-11.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Onawa stands at 1.2%, 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 Onawa

How people get around in Onawa

Commuting methods vary: 98.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.1% 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 1,212 98.5% 0.7%
Walk 1 0.1% -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 Onawa by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51040 3,500 1,555 $71,179 $78,642

Explore more communities

FAQs about Onawa demographics 

What is the total population of Onawa?

Onawa has a total population of 2,839 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 Onawa?

The gender ratio in Onawa is as follows:
  • 45.9% males (1,304 residents)
  • 54.1% females (1,535 residents)

What is the median age in Onawa?

The median age in Onawa is 35.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Onawa?

The age distribution in Onawa is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.3% (604 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.5% (383 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.8% (761 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17% (482 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.4% (609 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Onawa?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Onawa is as follows:
  • White: 94% (2,670 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.5% (14 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.2% (149 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Onawa.

How many housing units are there in Onawa?

There are 1,369 housing units in Onawa, reflecting a 0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Onawa has a total of 1,256 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Onawa?

Onawa has a median household income of $62,143, representing a +13.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.8% in Onawa, with a workforce of 1,270 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.5% (883 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.5% (387 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.6% (147 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.3% (880 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.5% (197 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.6% (46 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