Ralston, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
61
-7.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,917/yr
-6.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
29
-6.5% year-over-year change

Ralston population

How many people live in Ralston

Ralston is home to 61 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 39.3% of Ralston locals are male, and 60.7% are female.

Total population
61
-7.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
39.3%
24
Female
60.7%
37
Value Percent YoY change
Male 24 39.3% -22.6%
Female 37 60.7% 5.7%
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 Ralston is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.1% are children under 15, then 18% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23% of the population, while another 19.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.1%
15 to 24
18%
25 to 44
23%
45 to 64
19.7%
Over 65
26.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8 13.1% 0.0%
15 to 24 11 18% 0.0%
25 to 44 14 23% -6.7%
45 to 64 12 19.7% 0.0%
Over 65 16 26.2% -20.0%
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 11.5% 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 61 100% -7.6%
Racial breakdown
White
88.5%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.5%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 54 88.5%
Two or more races 7 11.5%

Households in Ralston

A peek inside Ralston households

Ralston has 25 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 84% are families, while the remaining 16% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
25
-10.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4
Family households
21
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4 16% -33.3%
Family households 21 84% -4.5%
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 Ralston

The housing landscape of Ralston

Ralston's housing consists of 29 units, with 93.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 6.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
29
-6.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 27 93.1%
Mobile home 2 6.9%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ralston

In Ralston, the median construction year is 1938. About 55.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.3% 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 16 55.2% 14.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3 10.3% -25.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3 10.3% -25.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1 3.4% -50.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4 13.8% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2 6.9% -33.3%
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.

Ralston occupancy rates

Out of the 25 occupied housing units in Ralston, 84% are owner-occupied, while 16% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
25
-10.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4
Owner occupied
21
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4 16% 0.0%
Owner occupied 21 84% -12.5%
Unoccupied housing units
13.8%
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.

Ralston housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$792/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.

Education in Ralston

Ralston education at a glance

About 56.8% of the population in Ralston went to high school, while 36.4% pursued college studies. Another 2.3% earned an associate degree and 4.6% hold a bachelor’s.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 25 56.8% -19.4%
College diploma 16 36.4% 0.0%
Associate degree 1 2.3% -50.0%
Bachelor's degree 2 4.6% 0.0%
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 Ralston

How much people earn in Ralston

The average annual household income in Ralston was $71,044 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $62,917, reflecting a -6.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ralston
$71,044/year
-1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ralston
$62,917/year
-6.8% year-over-year change

Ralston income by age

Overall, 73.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Above poverty level
45
Below poverty level
16
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 45 73.8% -13.5%
Below poverty level 16 26.2% 14.3%

Employment in Ralston

Workforce and job types in Ralston

The job market in Ralston is powered by 22 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Workforce demographics

Working population
22
-18.5% year-over-year change
White collar
15
Blue collar
7
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 15 68.2% -11.8%
Blue collar 7 31.8% -30.0%
Employer type
Self employees
0%
Private companies
68.2%
Governmental workers
22.7%
Not for profit companies
9.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Private companies 15 68.2% -34.8%
Governmental workers 5 22.7% 66.7%
Not for profit companies 2 9.1% 100.0%
Unemployment rate
8.3%
100.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ralston stands at 8.3%, 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 Ralston

How people get around in Ralston

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 21 95.4% -19.2%
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 Ralston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51459 54 22 $63,333 $69,227

Explore more communities

FAQs about Ralston demographics 

What is the total population of Ralston?

Ralston has a total population of 61 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 -7.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ralston?

The gender ratio in Ralston is as follows:
  • 39.3% males (24 residents)
  • 60.7% females (37 residents)

What is the median age in Ralston?

The median age in Ralston is 38.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ralston?

The age distribution in Ralston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.1% (8 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18% (11 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23% (14 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.7% (12 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.2% (16 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ralston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ralston is as follows:
  • White: 88.5% (54 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.5% (7 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Ralston?

There are 29 housing units in Ralston, reflecting a -6.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Ralston has a total of 25 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ralston?

Ralston has a median household income of $62,917, representing a -6.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 91.7% in Ralston, with a workforce of 22 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.2% (15 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.8% (7 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0% (0 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.2% (15 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.7% (5 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.1% (2 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