Waukon, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,792
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,269/yr
7.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,088
10.2% year-over-year change

Waukon population

How many people live in Waukon

Waukon is home to 3,792 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.5% of Waukon locals are male, and 49.5% are female.

Total population
3,792
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.5%
1,914
Female
49.5%
1,878
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,914 50.5% 0.6%
Female 1,878 49.5% -0.8%
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 Waukon is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.1% are children under 15, then 11.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.3% of the population, while another 21.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 27.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.1%
15 to 24
11.9%
25 to 44
23.3%
45 to 64
21.9%
Over 65
27.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 574 15.1% -24.7%
15 to 24 451 11.9% 41.4%
25 to 44 883 23.3% -5.0%
45 to 64 830 21.9% -2.5%
Over 65 1,054 27.8% 12.8%
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 Waukon, 96.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.7%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,652 96.3% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 104 2.7% -24.1%
Non-citizens 36 1% 24.1%
Racial breakdown
White
93%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.2%
Other
2%
Value Percent
White 3,526 93%
Black or African American 1 0%
American Indian and Alaska Native 9 0.2%
Asian 21 0.6%
Two or more races 158 4.2%
Other 77 2%

Households in Waukon

A peek inside Waukon households

Waukon has 1,810 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 44% are families, while the remaining 56% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,810
4.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,013
Family households
797
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,013 56% 9.9%
Family households 797 44% -1.7%
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 Waukon

The housing landscape of Waukon

Waukon's housing consists of 2,088 units, with 69.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.4% 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 7.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,088
10.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,444 69.2%
1 unit, attached 72 3.4%
2 units 158 7.6%
3 or 4 units 36 1.7%
5 to 9 units 74 3.5%
10 to 19 units 109 5.2%
20 to 49 units 30 1.4%
Mobile home 165 7.9%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Waukon

In Waukon, the median construction year is 1962. About 31.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.6% 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 655 31.4% 10.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 76 3.6% -31.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 237 11.4% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 333 16% 76.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 150 7.2% -25.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 224 10.7% 26.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 211 10.1% -8.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 127 6.1% 58.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 75 3.6% -2.6%
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.

Waukon occupancy rates

Out of the 1,810 occupied housing units in Waukon, 77% are owner-occupied, while 23% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,810
4.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
416
Owner occupied
1,394
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 416 23% -3.7%
Owner occupied 1,394 77% 7.2%
Unoccupied housing units
13.3%
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.

Waukon housing costs

Housing costs in Waukon come to a median of $837 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $696.

Median housing costs per month
$837/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 Waukon
$696/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 Waukon

Waukon education at a glance

About 42.5% of the population in Waukon went to high school, while 16.8% pursued college studies. Another 12% earned an associate degree and 17.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 90 2.9% 30.4%
High school diploma 1,312 42.5% -0.6%
College diploma 517 16.8% -13.1%
Associate degree 371 12% 9.8%
Bachelor's degree 542 17.6% 46.5%
Graduate degree 252 8.2% 15.6%
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 Waukon

How much people earn in Waukon

The average annual household income in Waukon was $72,091 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $60,269, reflecting a +7.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Waukon
$72,091/year
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Waukon
$60,269/year
7.1% year-over-year change

Waukon income by age

In Waukon, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $72,165. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $81,806 overall. Overall, 90% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $72,165 15.6%
45 - 64 $81,806 -1.2%
Over 65 $33,107 0.2%
Above poverty level
3,280
Below poverty level
363
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,280 90% 2.1%
Below poverty level 363 10% -15.8%

Average renter income in Waukon

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Waukon, their median household income was $25,457 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$25,457
Rent-to-income ratio
32.8%
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 Waukon

Workforce and job types in Waukon

The job market in Waukon is powered by 1,940 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 39.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.4% run their own businesses, 62% are employed by private companies, and 15% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,940
9.7% year-over-year change
White collar
1,182
Blue collar
758
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,182 60.9% 9.3%
Blue collar 758 39.1% 10.3%
Employer type
Self employees
14.4%
Private companies
62%
Governmental workers
15%
Not for profit companies
8.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 279 14.4% 5.7%
Private companies 1,202 62% 11.5%
Governmental workers 290 15% 12.4%
Not for profit companies 169 8.7% 0.6%
Unemployment rate
3.0%
-40.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Waukon stands at 3%, 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 Waukon

How people get around in Waukon

Commuting methods vary: 87% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.8% 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 1,679 87% 14.1%
Taxicab 4 0.2% -42.9%
Walk 111 5.8% -6.7%
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 Waukon by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
52172 5,877 2,696 $68,875 $79,550

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FAQs about Waukon demographics 

What is the total population of Waukon?

Waukon has a total population of 3,792 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 -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Waukon?

The gender ratio in Waukon is as follows:
  • 50.5% males (1,914 residents)
  • 49.5% females (1,878 residents)

What is the median age in Waukon?

The median age in Waukon is 44.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Waukon?

The age distribution in Waukon is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.1% (574 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.9% (451 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.3% (883 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.9% (830 residents)
  • Over 65: 27.8% (1,054 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Waukon?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Waukon is as follows:
  • White: 93% (3,526 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (1 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (9 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (21 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.2% (158 residents)
  • Other: 2% (77 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.3% of the population in Waukon.

How many housing units are there in Waukon?

There are 2,088 housing units in Waukon, reflecting a +10.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Waukon has a total of 1,810 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Waukon?

Waukon has a median household income of $60,269, representing a +7.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97% in Waukon, with a workforce of 1,940 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60.9% (1,182 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 39.1% (758 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.4% (279 residents)
  • Private companies: 62% (1,202 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15% (290 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.7% (169 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