University Heights, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,384
12.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$111,406/yr
5.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
649
13.3% year-over-year change

University Heights population

How many people live in University Heights

University Heights is home to 1,384 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.9% of University Heights locals are male, and 53.1% are female.

Total population
1,384
12.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.9%
649
Female
53.1%
735
Value Percent YoY change
Male 649 46.9% 9.8%
Female 735 53.1% 14.7%
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 University Heights is 28, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.7% are children under 15, then 20.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 34.2% of the population, while another 14.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 9% are 65 or older.

Median age
27.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.7%
15 to 24
20.7%
25 to 44
34.2%
45 to 64
14.4%
Over 65
9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 300 21.7% 13.6%
15 to 24 287 20.7% 1.1%
25 to 44 473 34.2% 26.8%
45 to 64 200 14.4% 4.7%
Over 65 124 9% 3.3%
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 University Heights, 92.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.4% of locals are Caucasian, 1.7% are African American and 5.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.4%
Non-citizens
0.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,282 92.6% 11.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 89 6.4% 29.0%
Non-citizens 13 0.9% -18.8%
Racial breakdown
White
86.4%
Black or African American
1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
5.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.7%
Other
2.8%
Value Percent
White 1,196 86.4%
Black or African American 24 1.7%
Asian 74 5.4%
Two or more races 51 3.7%
Other 39 2.8%

Households in University Heights

A peek inside University Heights households

University Heights has 548 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 53.6% are families, while the remaining 46.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
548
9.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
254
Family households
294
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 254 46.4% 6.7%
Family households 294 53.6% 12.2%
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 University Heights

The housing landscape of University Heights

University Heights's housing consists of 649 units, with 55.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
649
13.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 361 55.6%
2 units 10 1.5%
5 to 9 units 18 2.8%
10 to 19 units 77 11.9%
20 to 49 units 97 15%
50 or more units 86 13.2%
Homes built since 2020
17
325.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in University Heights

In University Heights, the median construction year is 1965. About 12.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 16.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 79 12.2% 36.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 32 4.9% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 119 18.3% -1.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 178 27.4% 9.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 20 3.1% -4.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 29 4.5% 81.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2 0.3% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 64 9.9% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 109 16.8% 18.5%
Built in 2020 or later 17 2.6% 325.0%
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.

University Heights occupancy rates

Out of the 548 occupied housing units in University Heights, 54.9% are owner-occupied, while 45.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
548
9.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
247
Owner occupied
301
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 247 45.1% 10.8%
Owner occupied 301 54.9% 8.7%
Unoccupied housing units
15.6%
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.

University Heights housing costs

Housing costs in University Heights come to a median of $1,625 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,588.

Median housing costs per month
$1,625/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 University Heights
$1,588/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 University Heights

University Heights education at a glance

About 3.5% of the population in University Heights went to high school, while 11.3% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 37.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 40.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 37 3.5% 8.8%
College diploma 121 11.3% 3.4%
Associate degree 73 6.8% 19.7%
Bachelor's degree 405 37.9% 22.0%
Graduate degree 432 40.4% 6.1%
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 University Heights

How much people earn in University Heights

The average annual household income in University Heights was $136,451 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -27.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $111,406, reflecting a +5.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in University Heights
$136,451/year
-27.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in University Heights
$111,406/year
5.9% year-over-year change

University Heights income by age

In University Heights, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $113,026. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $149,333 overall. Overall, 85.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $34,583 5.1%
25 - 44 $113,026 5.9%
45 - 64 $149,333 3.7%
Above poverty level
1,169
Below poverty level
200
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,169 85.4% 15.3%
Below poverty level 200 14.6% -3.9%

Average renter income in University Heights

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in University Heights, their median household income was $46,563 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$46,563
Rent-to-income ratio
40.9%
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 University Heights

Workforce and job types in University Heights

The job market in University Heights is powered by 808 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 95.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 4.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.4% run their own businesses, 29% are employed by private companies, and 49.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
808
14.9% year-over-year change
White collar
771
Blue collar
37
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 771 95.4% 16.1%
Blue collar 37 4.6% -5.1%
Employer type
Self employees
5.4%
Private companies
29%
Governmental workers
49.1%
Not for profit companies
16.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 44 5.4% 22.2%
Private companies 234 29% 27.2%
Governmental workers 397 49.1% 4.2%
Not for profit companies 133 16.5% 30.4%
Unemployment rate
1.1%
125.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in University Heights stands at 1.1%, 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 University Heights

How people get around in University Heights

In University Heights, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 39.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 30.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
16 min
-9.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 318 39.7% 10.0%
Bus or trolleybus 25 3.1% 25.0%
Motorcycle 1 0.1% 0.0%
Bicycle 49 6.1% -5.8%
Walk 244 30.5% 19.0%
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 University Heights by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
52246 22,308 9,651 $62,521 $106,808

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FAQs about University Heights demographics 

What is the total population of University Heights?

University Heights has a total population of 1,384 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 +12.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in University Heights?

The gender ratio in University Heights is as follows:
  • 46.9% males (649 residents)
  • 53.1% females (735 residents)

What is the median age in University Heights?

The median age in University Heights is 27.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in University Heights?

The age distribution in University Heights is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.7% (300 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 20.7% (287 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 34.2% (473 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 14.4% (200 residents)
  • Over 65: 9% (124 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of University Heights?

The racial and ethnic makeup of University Heights is as follows:
  • White: 86.4% (1,196 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.7% (24 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 5.4% (74 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.7% (51 residents)
  • Other: 2.8% (39 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.6% of the population in University Heights.

How many housing units are there in University Heights?

There are 649 housing units in University Heights, reflecting a +13.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

University Heights has a total of 548 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in University Heights?

University Heights has a median household income of $111,406, representing a +5.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for University Heights?

The employment rate is 98.9% in University Heights, with a workforce of 808 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 95.4% (771 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 4.6% (37 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.4% (44 residents)
  • Private companies: 29% (234 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 49.1% (397 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 16.5% (133 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