Prairie City, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,711
3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,295/yr
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
692
3.9% year-over-year change

Prairie City population

How many people live in Prairie City

Prairie City is home to 1,711 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Prairie City locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
1,711
3.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
827
Female
51.7%
884
Value Percent YoY change
Male 827 48.3% -0.5%
Female 884 51.7% 8.1%
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 Prairie City is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 26.5% are children under 15, then 9.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27% of the population, while another 19.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
36
Age breakdown
Under 15
26.5%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 44
27%
45 to 64
19.9%
Over 65
16.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 454 26.5% 5.6%
15 to 24 168 9.8% -5.6%
25 to 44 462 27% 2.2%
45 to 64 341 19.9% -0.9%
Over 65 286 16.7% 16.7%
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 Prairie City, 97.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 96.6% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.9%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,673 97.8% 3.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 32 1.9% 6.7%
Non-citizens 6 0.4% 100.0%
Racial breakdown
White
96.6%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.5%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,653 96.6%
Black or African American 11 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0.1%
Asian 2 0.1%
Two or more races 43 2.5%

Households in Prairie City

A peek inside Prairie City households

Prairie City has 653 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 74.7% are families, while the remaining 25.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
653
4.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
165
Family households
488
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 165 25.3% 3.8%
Family households 488 74.7% 5.0%
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 Prairie City

The housing landscape of Prairie City

Prairie City's housing consists of 692 units, with 77.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.8% 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 2.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
692
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 534 77.2%
1 unit, attached 19 2.8%
2 units 23 3.3%
3 or 4 units 77 11.1%
5 to 9 units 3 0.4%
10 to 19 units 19 2.8%
Mobile home 17 2.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Prairie City

In Prairie City, the median construction year is 1971. About 24.9% 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.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 172 24.9% 3.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 19 2.8% 11.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 68 9.8% -1.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 67 9.7% -19.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 146 21.1% 15.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 51 7.4% 96.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 49 7.1% -12.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 91 13.2% -9.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 29 4.2% 38.1%
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.

Prairie City occupancy rates

Out of the 653 occupied housing units in Prairie City, 76.6% are owner-occupied, while 23.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
653
4.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
153
Owner occupied
500
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 153 23.4% 6.2%
Owner occupied 500 76.6% 4.2%
Unoccupied housing units
5.6%
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.

Prairie City housing costs

Housing costs in Prairie City come to a median of $1,009 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $800.

Median housing costs per month
$1,009/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 Prairie City
$800/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 Prairie City

Prairie City education at a glance

About 32.5% of the population in Prairie City went to high school, while 23.3% pursued college studies. Another 13.9% earned an associate degree and 25.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 13 1.1% 44.4%
High school diploma 385 32.5% -0.3%
College diploma 276 23.3% 8.7%
Associate degree 165 13.9% 8.6%
Bachelor's degree 299 25.2% 11.6%
Graduate degree 48 4% -4.0%
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 Prairie City

How much people earn in Prairie City

The average annual household income in Prairie City was $96,541 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,295, reflecting a +0% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Prairie City
$96,541/year
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Prairie City
$78,295/year
0.0% year-over-year change

Prairie City income by age

In Prairie City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $88,500. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $121,458 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $49,464, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,917 in earnings. Overall, 96.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $49,464 0.0%
25 - 44 $88,500 -6.5%
45 - 64 $121,458 39.7%
Over 65 $47,917 7.2%
Above poverty level
1,626
Below poverty level
59
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,626 96.5% 2.4%
Below poverty level 59 3.5% 156.5%

Employment in Prairie City

Workforce and job types in Prairie City

The job market in Prairie City is powered by 845 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.7% run their own businesses, 72.4% are employed by private companies, and 14.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
845
1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
620
Blue collar
225
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 620 73.4% -2.4%
Blue collar 225 26.6% 15.4%
Employer type
Self employees
7.7%
Private companies
72.4%
Governmental workers
14.4%
Not for profit companies
5.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 65 7.7% -26.1%
Private companies 612 72.4% 7.0%
Governmental workers 122 14.4% 11.9%
Not for profit companies 46 5.4% -24.6%
Unemployment rate
6.4%
7.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Prairie City stands at 6.4%, 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 Prairie City

How people get around in Prairie City

Commuting methods vary: 80.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3% 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 675 80.8% 6.0%
Walk 25 3% -24.2%
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 Prairie City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50228 2,120 832 $90,833 $102,333

Explore more communities

FAQs about Prairie City demographics 

What is the total population of Prairie City?

Prairie City has a total population of 1,711 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 +3.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Prairie City?

The gender ratio in Prairie City is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (827 residents)
  • 51.7% females (884 residents)

What is the median age in Prairie City?

The median age in Prairie City is 36.

What is the age distribution of the population in Prairie City?

The age distribution in Prairie City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 26.5% (454 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.8% (168 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27% (462 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.9% (341 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.7% (286 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Prairie City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Prairie City is as follows:
  • White: 96.6% (1,653 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (11 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (2 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.5% (43 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.8% of the population in Prairie City.

How many housing units are there in Prairie City?

There are 692 housing units in Prairie City, reflecting a +3.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Prairie City has a total of 653 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Prairie City?

Prairie City has a median household income of $78,295, representing a +0.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Prairie City?

The employment rate is 93.6% in Prairie City, with a workforce of 845 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.4% (620 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.6% (225 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.7% (65 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.4% (612 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.4% (122 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.4% (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