Stratford, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
735
5.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$47,875/yr
17.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
404
4.9% year-over-year change

Stratford population

How many people live in Stratford

Stratford is home to 735 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 43.5% of Stratford locals are male, and 56.5% are female.

Total population
735
5.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
43.5%
320
Female
56.5%
415
Value Percent YoY change
Male 320 43.5% 7.0%
Female 415 56.5% 4.5%
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 Stratford is 61, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.6% are children under 15, then 4.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 16.2% of the population, while another 21.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 42% are 65 or older.

Median age
60.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.6%
15 to 24
4.9%
25 to 44
16.2%
45 to 64
21.2%
Over 65
42%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 115 15.6% 26.4%
15 to 24 36 4.9% -29.4%
25 to 44 119 16.2% 16.7%
45 to 64 156 21.2% -15.2%
Over 65 309 42% 15.3%
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 Stratford, 98% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87.6% of locals are Caucasian, 6.7% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.8%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 720 98% 4.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6 0.8% 200.0%
Non-citizens 9 1.2% 50.0%
Racial breakdown
White
87.6%
Black or African American
6.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1%
Other
4.2%
Value Percent
White 644 87.6%
Black or African American 49 6.7%
Asian 4 0.5%
Two or more races 7 1%
Other 31 4.2%

Households in Stratford

A peek inside Stratford households

Stratford has 365 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.9% are families, while the remaining 50.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
365
6.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
183
Family households
182
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 183 50.1% 8.3%
Family households 182 49.9% 5.2%
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 Stratford

The housing landscape of Stratford

Stratford's housing consists of 404 units, with 76.7% 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 10.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
404
4.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 310 76.7%
3 or 4 units 13 3.2%
5 to 9 units 18 4.5%
10 to 19 units 4 1%
20 to 49 units 17 4.2%
Mobile home 42 10.4%
Homes built since 2020
7
40.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Stratford

In Stratford, the median construction year is 1968. About 37.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 152 37.6% 0.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 7 1.7% -12.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 24 5.9% -25.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 23 5.7% -8.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 73 18.1% 23.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 16 4% 220.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 36 8.9% 2.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 58 14.4% -4.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 8 2% 100.0%
Built in 2020 or later 7 1.7% 40.0%
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.

Stratford occupancy rates

Out of the 365 occupied housing units in Stratford, 82.7% are owner-occupied, while 17.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
365
6.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
63
Owner occupied
302
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 63 17.3% 3.3%
Owner occupied 302 82.7% 7.5%
Unoccupied housing units
9.7%
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.

Stratford housing costs

Housing costs in Stratford come to a median of $569 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $588.

Median housing costs per month
$569/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 Stratford
$588/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 Stratford

Stratford education at a glance

About 54.8% of the population in Stratford went to high school, while 22.4% pursued college studies. Another 12% earned an associate degree and 7.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 5 0.8% 25.0%
High school diploma 330 54.8% 1.5%
College diploma 135 22.4% -11.2%
Associate degree 72 12% 38.5%
Bachelor's degree 43 7.1% 0.0%
Graduate degree 17 2.8% 41.7%
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 Stratford

How much people earn in Stratford

The average annual household income in Stratford was $59,465 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +14.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $47,875, reflecting a +17.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Stratford
$59,465/year
14.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Stratford
$47,875/year
17.2% year-over-year change

Stratford income by age

In Stratford, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,923. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $53,125 overall. Overall, 90.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $61,923 3.6%
45 - 64 $53,125 7.9%
Over 65 $30,750 8.4%
Above poverty level
622
Below poverty level
62
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 622 90.9% 6.1%
Below poverty level 62 9.1% 3.3%

Average renter income in Stratford

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Stratford, their median household income was $16,250 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 43.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$16,250
Rent-to-income ratio
43.4%
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 Stratford

Workforce and job types in Stratford

The job market in Stratford is powered by 283 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 52.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 47.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.2% run their own businesses, 74.9% are employed by private companies, and 16.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
283
4.4% year-over-year change
White collar
149
Blue collar
134
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 149 52.6% 0.0%
Blue collar 134 47.4% 9.8%
Employer type
Self employees
3.2%
Private companies
74.9%
Governmental workers
16.6%
Not for profit companies
5.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 9 3.2% 50.0%
Private companies 212 74.9% 0.9%
Governmental workers 47 16.6% 17.5%
Not for profit companies 15 5.3% 0.0%
Unemployment rate
0.7%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Stratford stands at 0.7%, 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 Stratford

How people get around in Stratford

Commuting methods vary: 88.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6% 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 250 88.3% 9.7%
Bicycle 3 1.1% N/A
Walk 17 6% -26.1%
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 Stratford by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50249 1,312 610 $60,761 $79,595

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FAQs about Stratford demographics 

What is the total population of Stratford?

Stratford has a total population of 735 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 +5.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Stratford?

The gender ratio in Stratford is as follows:
  • 43.5% males (320 residents)
  • 56.5% females (415 residents)

What is the median age in Stratford?

The median age in Stratford is 60.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Stratford?

The age distribution in Stratford is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.6% (115 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 4.9% (36 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 16.2% (119 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.2% (156 residents)
  • Over 65: 42% (309 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Stratford?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Stratford is as follows:
  • White: 87.6% (644 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.7% (49 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (4 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1% (7 residents)
  • Other: 4.2% (31 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98% of the population in Stratford.

How many housing units are there in Stratford?

There are 404 housing units in Stratford, reflecting a +4.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Stratford has a total of 365 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Stratford?

Stratford has a median household income of $47,875, representing a +17.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 99.3% in Stratford, with a workforce of 283 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 52.6% (149 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 47.4% (134 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.2% (9 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.9% (212 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.6% (47 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.3% (15 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