Vail, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
527
22.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,625/yr
6.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
170
6.9% year-over-year change

Vail population

How many people live in Vail

Vail is home to 527 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 40.6% of Vail locals are male, and 59.4% are female.

Total population
527
22.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
40.6%
214
Female
59.4%
313
Value Percent YoY change
Male 214 40.6% 27.4%
Female 313 59.4% 19.0%
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 Vail is 26, with the population distributed as follows: about 35.7% are children under 15, then 14.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 13.3% of the population, while another 25.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
26.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
35.7%
15 to 24
14.2%
25 to 44
13.3%
45 to 64
25.2%
Over 65
11.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 188 35.7% 40.3%
15 to 24 75 14.2% 47.1%
25 to 44 70 13.3% -5.4%
45 to 64 133 25.2% 15.7%
Over 65 61 11.6% 7.0%
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 Vail, 88.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 15% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.6%
Non-citizens
8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 466 88.4% 25.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 19 3.6% 46.1%
Non-citizens 42 8% -10.6%
Racial breakdown
White
55.6%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15%
Other
28.8%
Value Percent
White 293 55.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0.6%
Two or more races 79 15%
Other 152 28.8%

Households in Vail

A peek inside Vail households

Vail has 141 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 55.3% are families, while the remaining 44.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
141
9.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
63
Family households
78
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 63 44.7% 21.1%
Family households 78 55.3% 1.3%
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 Vail

The housing landscape of Vail

Vail's housing consists of 170 units, with 88.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.6% 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 2.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
170
6.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 151 88.8%
1 unit, attached 13 7.6%
3 or 4 units 2 1.2%
Mobile home 4 2.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Vail

In Vail, the median construction year is 1938. About 51.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.2% 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 88 51.8% 1.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2 1.2% 100.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 15 8.8% -25.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 17 10% 30.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 17 10% 0.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 20 11.8% 53.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 8 4.7% 60.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3 1.8% 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.

Vail occupancy rates

Out of the 141 occupied housing units in Vail, 91.5% are owner-occupied, while 8.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
141
9.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
12
Owner occupied
129
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 12 8.5% 20.0%
Owner occupied 129 91.5% 8.4%
Unoccupied housing units
17.1%
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.

Vail housing costs

Housing costs in Vail come to a median of $679 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $661.

Median housing costs per month
$679/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 Vail
$661/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 Vail

Vail education at a glance

About 47.2% of the population in Vail went to high school, while 13.7% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 11.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 45 15% 21.6%
High school diploma 141 47.2% 2.9%
College diploma 41 13.7% 13.9%
Associate degree 29 9.7% 3.6%
Bachelor's degree 34 11.4% -5.6%
Graduate degree 9 3% 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 Vail

How much people earn in Vail

The average annual household income in Vail was $78,860 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +12.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,625, reflecting a +6.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Vail
$78,860/year
12.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Vail
$70,625/year
6.3% year-over-year change

Vail income by age

In Vail, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $73,125. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $100,781 overall. Overall, 70.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $73,125 6.4%
45 - 64 $100,781 18.6%
Over 65 $24,792 -9.0%
Above poverty level
370
Below poverty level
152
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 370 70.9% 14.2%
Below poverty level 152 29.1% 44.8%

Average renter income in Vail

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Vail, their median household income was $31,250 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,250
Rent-to-income ratio
25.4%
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 Vail

Workforce and job types in Vail

The job market in Vail is powered by 213 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 55.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 44.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.2% run their own businesses, 86.8% are employed by private companies, and 6.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
213
23.1% year-over-year change
White collar
118
Blue collar
95
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 118 55.4% 20.4%
Blue collar 95 44.6% 26.7%
Employer type
Self employees
4.2%
Private companies
86.8%
Governmental workers
6.6%
Not for profit companies
2.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 9 4.2% -30.8%
Private companies 185 86.8% 33.1%
Governmental workers 14 6.6% 16.7%
Not for profit companies 5 2.4% -44.4%

Transportation in Vail

How people get around in Vail

Commuting methods vary: 93% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% 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 198 93% 24.5%
Walk 3 1.4% 50.0%
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 Vail by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51465 689 228 $72,917 $92,146

Explore more communities

FAQs about Vail demographics 

What is the total population of Vail?

Vail has a total population of 527 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 +22.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Vail?

The gender ratio in Vail is as follows:
  • 40.6% males (214 residents)
  • 59.4% females (313 residents)

What is the median age in Vail?

The median age in Vail is 26.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Vail?

The age distribution in Vail is as follows:
  • Under 15: 35.7% (188 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.2% (75 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 13.3% (70 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.2% (133 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.6% (61 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Vail?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Vail is as follows:
  • White: 55.6% (293 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15% (79 residents)
  • Other: 28.8% (152 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.4% of the population in Vail.

How many housing units are there in Vail?

There are 170 housing units in Vail, reflecting a +6.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Vail has a total of 141 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Vail?

Vail has a median household income of $70,625, representing a +6.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Vail?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 55.4% (118 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 44.6% (95 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.2% (9 residents)
  • Private companies: 86.8% (185 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.6% (14 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.4% (5 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