Pella, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,720
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$84,111/yr
3.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,313
2.1% year-over-year change

Pella population

How many people live in Pella

Pella is home to 10,720 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52% of Pella locals are male, and 48% are female.

Total population
10,720
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52%
5,580
Female
48%
5,140
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,580 52% 2.2%
Female 5,140 48% -0.5%
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 Pella is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.2% are children under 15, then 23.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.7% of the population, while another 19% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.2%
15 to 24
23.3%
25 to 44
21.7%
45 to 64
19%
Over 65
18.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,848 17.2% -4.1%
15 to 24 2,500 23.3% 6.2%
25 to 44 2,323 21.7% -2.2%
45 to 64 2,032 19% 7.7%
Over 65 2,017 18.8% -3.1%
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 Pella, 95.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 95.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.2%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,213 95.3% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 340 3.2% 24.5%
Non-citizens 167 1.6% -20.9%
Racial breakdown
White
95.2%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.3%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 10,200 95.2%
Black or African American 41 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 4 0%
Asian 138 1.3%
Two or more races 251 2.3%
Other 86 0.8%

Households in Pella

A peek inside Pella households

Pella has 3,995 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.4% are families, while the remaining 37.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,995
-0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,504
Family households
2,491
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,504 37.6% -0.1%
Family households 2,491 62.4% -0.5%
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 Pella

The housing landscape of Pella

Pella's housing consists of 4,313 units, with 64.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.2% 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 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,313
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,774 64.3%
1 unit, attached 312 7.2%
2 units 293 6.8%
3 or 4 units 136 3.2%
5 to 9 units 227 5.3%
10 to 19 units 273 6.3%
20 to 49 units 138 3.2%
50 or more units 127 2.9%
Mobile home 33 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
44
83.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pella

In Pella, the median construction year is 1976. About 13.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 582 13.5% 30.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 120 2.8% 3.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 278 6.4% -25.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 532 12.3% 9.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,094 25.4% 17.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 273 6.3% -26.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 628 14.6% -16.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 442 10.2% 7.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 320 7.4% 1.6%
Built in 2020 or later 44 1% 83.3%
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.

Pella occupancy rates

Out of the 3,995 occupied housing units in Pella, 62.5% are owner-occupied, while 37.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,995
-0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,499
Owner occupied
2,496
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,499 37.5% -0.1%
Owner occupied 2,496 62.5% -0.5%
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.

Pella housing costs

Housing costs in Pella come to a median of $1,181 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,046.

Median housing costs per month
$1,181/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 Pella
$1,046/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 Pella

Pella education at a glance

About 27.3% of the population in Pella went to high school, while 25.8% pursued college studies. Another 6.5% earned an associate degree and 26.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 115 1.4% -17.3%
High school diploma 2,299 27.3% -0.7%
College diploma 2,175 25.8% 13.6%
Associate degree 545 6.5% -18.2%
Bachelor's degree 2,264 26.9% 0.6%
Graduate degree 1,018 12.1% 1.5%
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 Pella

How much people earn in Pella

The average annual household income in Pella was $113,626 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $84,111, reflecting a +3.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pella
$113,626/year
4.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pella
$84,111/year
3.6% year-over-year change

Pella income by age

In Pella, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $96,909. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $108,977 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $63,603, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $57,675 in earnings. Overall, 94.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $63,603 3.1%
25 - 44 $96,909 -3.0%
45 - 64 $108,977 8.0%
Over 65 $57,675 3.5%
Above poverty level
8,776
Below poverty level
543
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,776 94.2% -1.0%
Below poverty level 543 5.8% 31.2%

Average renter income in Pella

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Pella, their median household income was $47,154 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$47,154
Rent-to-income ratio
26.6%
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 Pella

Workforce and job types in Pella

The job market in Pella is powered by 5,732 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.1% run their own businesses, 65.6% are employed by private companies, and 12.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,732
3.8% year-over-year change
White collar
4,456
Blue collar
1,276
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,456 77.7% 1.5%
Blue collar 1,276 22.3% 12.6%
Employer type
Self employees
6.1%
Private companies
65.6%
Governmental workers
12.6%
Not for profit companies
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 348 6.1% -3.1%
Private companies 3,758 65.6% 8.9%
Governmental workers 721 12.6% 10.6%
Not for profit companies 905 15.8% -14.9%
Unemployment rate
1.1%
4.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Pella stands at 1.1%, 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 Pella

How people get around in Pella

In Pella, the average commute time is 14 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 79.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
14 min
2.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,478 79.8% -0.8%
Bicycle 81 1.4% 65.3%
Walk 441 7.9% -7.7%
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 Pella by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50219 14,416 5,289 $86,807 $113,122

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FAQs about Pella demographics 

What is the total population of Pella?

Pella has a total population of 10,720 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 +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Pella?

The gender ratio in Pella is as follows:
  • 52% males (5,580 residents)
  • 48% females (5,140 residents)

What is the median age in Pella?

The median age in Pella is 35.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Pella?

The age distribution in Pella is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.2% (1,848 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 23.3% (2,500 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.7% (2,323 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19% (2,032 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.8% (2,017 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pella?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pella is as follows:
  • White: 95.2% (10,200 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (41 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (4 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (138 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.3% (251 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (86 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.3% of the population in Pella.

How many housing units are there in Pella?

There are 4,313 housing units in Pella, reflecting a +2.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Pella has a total of 3,995 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pella?

Pella has a median household income of $84,111, representing a +3.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.9% in Pella, with a workforce of 5,732 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.7% (4,456 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.3% (1,276 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.1% (348 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.6% (3,758 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.6% (721 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.8% (905 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