Van Meter, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,628
10.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$135,139/yr
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
502
7.0% year-over-year change

Van Meter population

How many people live in Van Meter

Van Meter is home to 1,628 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.1% of Van Meter locals are male, and 52.9% are female.

Total population
1,628
10.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.1%
767
Female
52.9%
861
Value Percent YoY change
Male 767 47.1% 14.7%
Female 861 52.9% 7.6%
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 Van Meter is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.8% are children under 15, then 14% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.2% of the population, while another 23.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
38
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.8%
15 to 24
14%
25 to 44
26.2%
45 to 64
23.2%
Over 65
11.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 404 24.8% 8.3%
15 to 24 228 14% 12.3%
25 to 44 426 26.2% 2.9%
45 to 64 377 23.2% 19.7%
Over 65 193 11.9% 17.7%
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 Van Meter, 98.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 2.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.8%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,598 98.2% 11.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 30 1.8% -16.7%
Racial breakdown
White
97.3%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.5%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,584 97.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0.2%
Two or more races 41 2.5%

Households in Van Meter

A peek inside Van Meter households

Van Meter has 497 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 85.7% are families, while the remaining 14.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
497
8.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
71
Family households
426
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 71 14.3% 1.4%
Family households 426 85.7% 9.2%
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 Van Meter

The housing landscape of Van Meter

Van Meter's housing consists of 502 units, with 88.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.2% 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 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
502
7.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 446 88.8%
1 unit, attached 31 6.2%
3 or 4 units 6 1.2%
5 to 9 units 9 1.8%
10 to 19 units 7 1.4%
Mobile home 3 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
3
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Van Meter

In Van Meter, the median construction year is 1990. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 23.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 69 13.8% 9.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 22 4.4% -31.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 62 12.4% 10.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 75 14.9% -8.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 24 4.8% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 52 10.4% 15.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 79 15.7% 11.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 116 23.1% 41.5%
Built in 2020 or later 3 0.6% N/A
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.

Van Meter occupancy rates

Out of the 497 occupied housing units in Van Meter, 92.6% are owner-occupied, while 7.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
497
8.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
37
Owner occupied
460
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 37 7.4% 0.0%
Owner occupied 460 92.6% 8.8%
Unoccupied housing units
1.0%
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.

Van Meter housing costs

Housing costs in Van Meter come to a median of $1,658 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,063.

Median housing costs per month
$1,658/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 Van Meter
$1,063/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 Van Meter

Van Meter education at a glance

About 26.7% of the population in Van Meter went to high school, while 17.8% pursued college studies. Another 14.1% earned an associate degree and 30.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 11 1% 57.1%
High school diploma 290 26.7% 6.2%
College diploma 193 17.8% 7.2%
Associate degree 153 14.1% 16.8%
Bachelor's degree 327 30.1% 11.6%
Graduate degree 112 10.3% 24.4%
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 Van Meter

How much people earn in Van Meter

The average annual household income in Van Meter was $157,780 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $135,139, reflecting a +1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Van Meter
$157,780/year
4.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Van Meter
$135,139/year
1.0% year-over-year change

Van Meter income by age

In Van Meter, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $163,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $147,813 overall. Overall, 97.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $163,750 -5.2%
45 - 64 $147,813 11.4%
Over 65 $78,125 -18.2%
Above poverty level
1,564
Below poverty level
42
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,564 97.4% 12.5%
Below poverty level 42 2.6% -8.7%

Average renter income in Van Meter

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Van Meter, their median household income was $61,250 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 20.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$61,250
Rent-to-income ratio
20.8%
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 Van Meter

Workforce and job types in Van Meter

The job market in Van Meter is powered by 859 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.6% run their own businesses, 78.5% are employed by private companies, and 11.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
859
10.8% year-over-year change
White collar
689
Blue collar
170
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 689 80.2% 14.4%
Blue collar 170 19.8% -1.7%
Employer type
Self employees
6.6%
Private companies
78.5%
Governmental workers
11.5%
Not for profit companies
3.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 57 6.6% 35.7%
Private companies 674 78.5% 9.1%
Governmental workers 99 11.5% 25.3%
Not for profit companies 29 3.4% -19.4%
Unemployment rate
1.9%
70.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Van Meter stands at 1.9%, 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 Van Meter

How people get around in Van Meter

Commuting methods vary: 82.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.1% 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 695 82.8% 11.6%
Bicycle 4 0.5% 33.3%
Walk 1 0.1% -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 Van Meter by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50261 3,399 1,122 $155,278 $170,344

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FAQs about Van Meter demographics 

What is the total population of Van Meter?

Van Meter has a total population of 1,628 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 +10.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Van Meter?

The gender ratio in Van Meter is as follows:
  • 47.1% males (767 residents)
  • 52.9% females (861 residents)

What is the median age in Van Meter?

The median age in Van Meter is 38.

What is the age distribution of the population in Van Meter?

The age distribution in Van Meter is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.8% (404 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14% (228 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.2% (426 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.2% (377 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.9% (193 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Van Meter?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Van Meter is as follows:
  • White: 97.3% (1,584 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.5% (41 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.2% of the population in Van Meter.

How many housing units are there in Van Meter?

There are 502 housing units in Van Meter, reflecting a +7.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Van Meter has a total of 497 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Van Meter?

Van Meter has a median household income of $135,139, representing a +1.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Van Meter?

The employment rate is 98.1% in Van Meter, with a workforce of 859 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.2% (689 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.8% (170 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.6% (57 residents)
  • Private companies: 78.5% (674 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.5% (99 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.4% (29 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