Russell, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
613
11.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,821/yr
-11.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
362
10.0% year-over-year change

Russell population

How many people live in Russell

Russell is home to 613 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 54.6% of Russell locals are male, and 45.4% are female.

Total population
613
11.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
54.6%
335
Female
45.4%
278
Value Percent YoY change
Male 335 54.6% 7.7%
Female 278 45.4% 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 Russell is 54, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.4% are children under 15, then 6.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.9% of the population, while another 28.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 33.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
54
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.4%
15 to 24
6.5%
25 to 44
17.9%
45 to 64
28.6%
Over 65
33.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 82 13.4% 12.3%
15 to 24 40 6.5% 37.9%
25 to 44 110 17.9% 25.0%
45 to 64 175 28.6% 13.6%
Over 65 206 33.6% -0.5%
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 2.8% 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 613 100% 11.2%
Racial breakdown
White
97.1%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 595 97.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0.2%
Two or more races 17 2.8%

Households in Russell

A peek inside Russell households

Russell has 321 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48.9% are families, while the remaining 51.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
321
13.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
164
Family households
157
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 164 51.1% 21.5%
Family households 157 48.9% 6.1%
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 Russell

The housing landscape of Russell

Russell's housing consists of 362 units, with 86.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.8% 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 4.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
362
10.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 314 86.7%
1 unit, attached 3 0.8%
2 units 3 0.8%
3 or 4 units 20 5.5%
5 to 9 units 5 1.4%
Mobile home 17 4.7%
Homes built since 2020
1
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Russell

In Russell, the median construction year is 1940. About 50% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.9% 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, 2.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 181 50% -5.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 43 11.9% 104.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 23 6.4% 27.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 31 8.6% 40.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 41 11.3% 7.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3 0.8% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 16 4.4% 14.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 15 4.1% 7.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 8 2.2% 14.3%
Built in 2020 or later 1 0.3% N/A
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.

Russell occupancy rates

Out of the 321 occupied housing units in Russell, 87.2% are owner-occupied, while 12.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
321
13.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
41
Owner occupied
280
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 41 12.8% 57.7%
Owner occupied 280 87.2% 8.9%
Unoccupied housing units
11.3%
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.

Russell housing costs

Housing costs in Russell come to a median of $565 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $589.

Median housing costs per month
$565/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 Russell
$589/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 Russell

Russell education at a glance

About 35.1% of the population in Russell went to high school, while 36.5% pursued college studies. Another 16.3% earned an associate degree and 6.3% hold a bachelor’s.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 30 5.8% 57.9%
High school diploma 183 35.1% 1.7%
College diploma 190 36.5% 0.5%
Associate degree 85 16.3% 66.7%
Bachelor's degree 33 6.3% 43.5%
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 Russell

How much people earn in Russell

The average annual household income in Russell was $53,029 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,821, reflecting a -11.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Russell
$53,029/year
-2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Russell
$44,821/year
-11.7% year-over-year change

Russell income by age

In Russell, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $93,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $58,125 overall. Overall, 75.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $93,750 N/A
25 - 44 $93,000 21.3%
45 - 64 $58,125 -8.2%
Above poverty level
462
Below poverty level
151
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 462 75.4% 2.9%
Below poverty level 151 24.6% 48.0%

Average renter income in Russell

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Russell, their median household income was $31,023 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 22.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,023
Rent-to-income ratio
22.8%
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 Russell

Workforce and job types in Russell

The job market in Russell is powered by 258 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 50.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 49.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.2% run their own businesses, 72.1% are employed by private companies, and 10.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
258
13.7% year-over-year change
White collar
130
Blue collar
128
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 130 50.4% 16.1%
Blue collar 128 49.6% 11.3%
Employer type
Self employees
13.2%
Private companies
72.1%
Governmental workers
10.5%
Not for profit companies
4.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 34 13.2% 6.2%
Private companies 186 72.1% 11.4%
Governmental workers 27 10.5% 17.4%
Not for profit companies 11 4.3% 120.0%
Unemployment rate
0.8%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Russell stands at 0.8%, 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 Russell

How people get around in Russell

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 226 88.3% 18.3%
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 Russell by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50238 1,195 519 $59,625 $69,900

Explore more communities

FAQs about Russell demographics 

What is the total population of Russell?

Russell has a total population of 613 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 +11.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Russell?

The gender ratio in Russell is as follows:
  • 54.6% males (335 residents)
  • 45.4% females (278 residents)

What is the median age in Russell?

The median age in Russell is 54.

What is the age distribution of the population in Russell?

The age distribution in Russell is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.4% (82 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.5% (40 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.9% (110 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.6% (175 residents)
  • Over 65: 33.6% (206 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Russell?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Russell is as follows:
  • White: 97.1% (595 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.8% (17 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Russell?

There are 362 housing units in Russell, reflecting a +10.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Russell has a total of 321 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Russell?

Russell has a median household income of $44,821, representing a -11.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 99.2% in Russell, with a workforce of 258 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 50.4% (130 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 49.6% (128 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.2% (34 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.1% (186 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.5% (27 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.3% (11 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