Thornton, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
514
-3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,031/yr
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
244
-0.8% year-over-year change

Thornton population

How many people live in Thornton

Thornton is home to 514 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Thornton locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
514
-3.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
256
Female
50.2%
258
Value Percent YoY change
Male 256 49.8% -2.3%
Female 258 50.2% -5.2%
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 Thornton is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.8% of the population, while another 16.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
29.8%
45 to 64
16.9%
Over 65
20.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 104 20.2% -5.5%
15 to 24 66 12.8% -1.5%
25 to 44 153 29.8% 0.0%
45 to 64 87 16.9% -10.3%
Over 65 104 20.2% -2.8%
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 Thornton, 99% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 509 99% -4.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3 0.6% 0.0%
Non-citizens 2 0.4% 100.0%
Racial breakdown
White
92%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.2%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 473 92%
Asian 1 0.2%
Two or more races 32 6.2%
Other 8 1.6%

Households in Thornton

A peek inside Thornton households

Thornton has 231 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 72.7% are families, while the remaining 27.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
231
-1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
63
Family households
168
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 63 27.3% 1.6%
Family households 168 72.7% -2.9%
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 Thornton

The housing landscape of Thornton

Thornton's housing consists of 244 units, with 92.6% 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 2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
244
-0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 226 92.6%
3 or 4 units 13 5.3%
Mobile home 5 2%
Homes built since 2020
1
-50.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Thornton

In Thornton, the median construction year is 1953. About 40.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 99 40.6% 10.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 14 5.7% -6.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 33 13.5% -10.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 28 11.5% -17.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 34 13.9% 0.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 11 4.5% 57.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 11 4.5% -42.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 11 4.5% 37.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2 0.8% N/A
Built in 2020 or later 1 0.4% -50.0%
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.

Thornton occupancy rates

Out of the 231 occupied housing units in Thornton, 84% are owner-occupied, while 16% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
231
-1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
37
Owner occupied
194
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 37 16% 15.6%
Owner occupied 194 84% -4.4%
Unoccupied housing units
5.3%
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.

Thornton housing costs

Housing costs in Thornton come to a median of $810 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $839.

Median housing costs per month
$810/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 Thornton
$839/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 Thornton

Thornton education at a glance

About 38.4% of the population in Thornton went to high school, while 31.3% pursued college studies. Another 12.6% earned an associate degree and 13.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 9 2.3% -10.0%
High school diploma 152 38.4% 1.3%
College diploma 124 31.3% 6.0%
Associate degree 50 12.6% -21.9%
Bachelor's degree 52 13.1% -17.5%
Graduate degree 9 2.3% -18.2%
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 Thornton

How much people earn in Thornton

The average annual household income in Thornton was $75,942 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -8.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $67,031, reflecting a +0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Thornton
$75,942/year
-8.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Thornton
$67,031/year
0.1% year-over-year change

Thornton income by age

In Thornton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $73,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,167 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $65,833, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $58,424 in earnings. Overall, 91.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $65,833 -0.1%
25 - 44 $73,750 -0.8%
45 - 64 $84,167 4.4%
Over 65 $58,424 -0.5%
Above poverty level
466
Below poverty level
45
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 466 91.2% -6.2%
Below poverty level 45 8.8% 32.4%

Average renter income in Thornton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Thornton, their median household income was $35,000 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$35,000
Rent-to-income ratio
28.8%
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 Thornton

Workforce and job types in Thornton

The job market in Thornton is powered by 255 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 56.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 43.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.9% run their own businesses, 73.3% are employed by private companies, and 12.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
255
-4.8% year-over-year change
White collar
144
Blue collar
111
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 144 56.5% -8.9%
Blue collar 111 43.5% 0.9%
Employer type
Self employees
5.9%
Private companies
73.3%
Governmental workers
12.9%
Not for profit companies
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 15 5.9% -25.0%
Private companies 187 73.3% -1.6%
Governmental workers 33 12.9% -13.2%
Not for profit companies 20 7.8% 0.0%
Unemployment rate
1.5%
-42.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Thornton stands at 1.5%, 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 Thornton

How people get around in Thornton

Commuting methods vary: 86.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.1% 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 221 86.7% -6.0%
Walk 8 3.1% -46.7%
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 Thornton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50479 655 288 $68,750 $85,011

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FAQs about Thornton demographics 

What is the total population of Thornton?

Thornton has a total population of 514 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 Thornton?

The gender ratio in Thornton is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (256 residents)
  • 50.2% females (258 residents)

What is the median age in Thornton?

The median age in Thornton is 34.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Thornton?

The age distribution in Thornton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (104 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (66 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.8% (153 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.9% (87 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.2% (104 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Thornton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Thornton is as follows:
  • White: 92% (473 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (1 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.2% (32 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (8 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99% of the population in Thornton.

How many housing units are there in Thornton?

There are 244 housing units in Thornton, reflecting a -0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Thornton has a total of 231 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Thornton?

Thornton has a median household income of $67,031, representing a +0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.5% in Thornton, with a workforce of 255 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 56.5% (144 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 43.5% (111 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.9% (15 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.3% (187 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.9% (33 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.8% (20 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