Ruthven, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
732
-4.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,625/yr
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
335
0.3% year-over-year change

Ruthven population

How many people live in Ruthven

Ruthven is home to 732 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.6% of Ruthven locals are male, and 54.4% are female.

Total population
732
-4.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.6%
334
Female
54.4%
398
Value Percent YoY change
Male 334 45.6% -2.9%
Female 398 54.4% -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 Ruthven is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.4% are children under 15, then 17.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.4% of the population, while another 25.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.4%
15 to 24
17.6%
25 to 44
20.4%
45 to 64
25.7%
Over 65
14.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 157 21.4% -1.9%
15 to 24 129 17.6% 8.4%
25 to 44 149 20.4% -11.8%
45 to 64 188 25.7% -2.6%
Over 65 109 14.9% -12.8%
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

In Ruthven, 97.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.5% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 16.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.8%
Non-citizens
1.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 715 97.7% -4.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6 0.8% -25.0%
Non-citizens 11 1.5% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
80.5%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
16.8%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 589 80.5%
Black or African American 3 0.4%
Asian 6 0.8%
Two or more races 123 16.8%
Other 11 1.5%

Households in Ruthven

A peek inside Ruthven households

Ruthven has 269 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 46.1% are families, while the remaining 53.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
269
-1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
145
Family households
124
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 145 53.9% 1.4%
Family households 124 46.1% -5.3%
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 Ruthven

The housing landscape of Ruthven

Ruthven's housing consists of 335 units, with 80.6% 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 3.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
335
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 270 80.6%
3 or 4 units 30 9%
5 to 9 units 9 2.7%
10 to 19 units 14 4.2%
Mobile home 12 3.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ruthven

In Ruthven, the median construction year is 1957. About 43.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.2% 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 147 43.9% 4.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 14 4.2% -33.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 9 2.7% -10.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 18 5.4% -25.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 85 25.4% 14.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 25 7.5% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 30 9% -6.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 7 2.1% 0.0%
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.

Ruthven occupancy rates

Out of the 269 occupied housing units in Ruthven, 78.4% are owner-occupied, while 21.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
269
-1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
58
Owner occupied
211
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 58 21.6% -9.4%
Owner occupied 211 78.4% 0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
19.7%
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.

Ruthven housing costs

Housing costs in Ruthven come to a median of $722 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $608.

Median housing costs per month
$722/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 Ruthven
$608/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 Ruthven

Ruthven education at a glance

About 42.5% of the population in Ruthven went to high school, while 26.4% pursued college studies. Another 13.3% earned an associate degree and 14.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7 1.3% -53.3%
High school diploma 224 42.5% -5.5%
College diploma 139 26.4% -2.8%
Associate degree 70 13.3% -10.3%
Bachelor's degree 78 14.8% 4.0%
Graduate degree 9 1.7% 200.0%
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 Ruthven

How much people earn in Ruthven

The average annual household income in Ruthven was $77,667 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,625, reflecting a -0.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ruthven
$77,667/year
3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ruthven
$58,625/year
-0.2% year-over-year change

Ruthven income by age

In Ruthven, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $92,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $48,194 overall. Overall, 85.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $92,750 1.7%
45 - 64 $48,194 0.7%
Over 65 $51,875 18.6%
Above poverty level
549
Below poverty level
95
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 549 85.2% -8.7%
Below poverty level 95 14.8% 11.8%

Average renter income in Ruthven

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ruthven, their median household income was $20,833 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$20,833
Rent-to-income ratio
35%
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 Ruthven

Workforce and job types in Ruthven

The job market in Ruthven is powered by 373 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.9% run their own businesses, 80.7% are employed by private companies, and 9.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
373
-0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
258
Blue collar
115
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 258 69.2% -4.1%
Blue collar 115 30.8% 7.5%
Employer type
Self employees
5.9%
Private companies
80.7%
Governmental workers
9.1%
Not for profit companies
4.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 22 5.9% -26.7%
Private companies 301 80.7% 1.0%
Governmental workers 34 9.1% 25.9%
Not for profit companies 16 4.3% -23.8%
Unemployment rate
0.3%
-80.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ruthven stands at 0.3%, 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 Ruthven

How people get around in Ruthven

Commuting methods vary: 89.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.8% 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 334 89.8% -0.9%
Motorcycle 4 1.1% 0.0%
Walk 14 3.8% 27.3%
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 Ruthven by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51358 1,213 508 $64,583 $76,996

Explore more communities

FAQs about Ruthven demographics 

What is the total population of Ruthven?

Ruthven has a total population of 732 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 -4.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ruthven?

The gender ratio in Ruthven is as follows:
  • 45.6% males (334 residents)
  • 54.4% females (398 residents)

What is the median age in Ruthven?

The median age in Ruthven is 34.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ruthven?

The age distribution in Ruthven is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.4% (157 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.6% (129 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.4% (149 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.7% (188 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.9% (109 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ruthven?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ruthven is as follows:
  • White: 80.5% (589 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (3 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (6 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.8% (123 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (11 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.7% of the population in Ruthven.

How many housing units are there in Ruthven?

There are 335 housing units in Ruthven, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Ruthven has a total of 269 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ruthven?

Ruthven has a median household income of $58,625, representing a -0.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 99.7% in Ruthven, with a workforce of 373 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.2% (258 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.8% (115 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.9% (22 residents)
  • Private companies: 80.7% (301 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.1% (34 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.3% (16 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