Winterset, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,416
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,708/yr
-2.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,468
4.0% year-over-year change

Winterset population

How many people live in Winterset

Winterset is home to 5,416 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.5% of Winterset locals are male, and 53.5% are female.

Total population
5,416
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.5%
2,519
Female
53.5%
2,897
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,519 46.5% -1.3%
Female 2,897 53.5% 2.3%
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 Winterset is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.4% are children under 15, then 14% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.5% of the population, while another 18.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.4%
15 to 24
14%
25 to 44
25.5%
45 to 64
18.1%
Over 65
21.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,107 20.4% -3.3%
15 to 24 759 14% 13.6%
25 to 44 1,382 25.5% -10.6%
45 to 64 980 18.1% 8.8%
Over 65 1,188 21.9% 5.6%
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 Winterset, 99.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,381 99.4% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 35 0.6% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
94.2%
Black or African American
1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 5,104 94.2%
Black or African American 98 1.8%
Two or more races 214 4%

Households in Winterset

A peek inside Winterset households

Winterset has 2,389 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.2% are families, while the remaining 46.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,389
4.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,118
Family households
1,271
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,118 46.8% -0.3%
Family households 1,271 53.2% 8.3%
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 Winterset

The housing landscape of Winterset

Winterset's housing consists of 2,468 units, with 69.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.7% 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 3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,468
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,722 69.8%
1 unit, attached 115 4.7%
2 units 65 2.6%
3 or 4 units 227 9.2%
5 to 9 units 105 4.2%
20 to 49 units 108 4.4%
50 or more units 51 2.1%
Mobile home 75 3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Winterset

In Winterset, the median construction year is 1973. About 25.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.6% 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 638 25.8% -10.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 63 2.6% 14.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 231 9.4% 0.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 164 6.6% -20.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 467 18.9% 36.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 162 6.6% 5.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 210 8.5% -23.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 303 12.3% 50.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 230 9.3% 15.6%
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.

Winterset occupancy rates

Out of the 2,389 occupied housing units in Winterset, 64.7% are owner-occupied, while 35.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,389
4.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
843
Owner occupied
1,546
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 843 35.3% 9.5%
Owner occupied 1,546 64.7% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
3.2%
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.

Winterset housing costs

Housing costs in Winterset come to a median of $1,097 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,095.

Median housing costs per month
$1,097/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 Winterset
$1,095/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 Winterset

Winterset education at a glance

About 37.1% of the population in Winterset went to high school, while 30.8% pursued college studies. Another 10% earned an associate degree and 14.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 9 0.2% -55.0%
High school diploma 1,498 37.1% -8.2%
College diploma 1,242 30.8% 16.3%
Associate degree 405 10% -1.5%
Bachelor's degree 578 14.3% 1.4%
Graduate degree 304 7.5% 7.0%
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 Winterset

How much people earn in Winterset

The average annual household income in Winterset was $77,218 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $67,708, reflecting a -2.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Winterset
$77,218/year
6.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Winterset
$67,708/year
-2.2% year-over-year change

Winterset income by age

In Winterset, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $79,493. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $82,115 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $93,947, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $43,800 in earnings. Overall, 90.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $93,947 0.9%
25 - 44 $79,493 0.9%
45 - 64 $82,115 -24.3%
Over 65 $43,800 7.4%
Above poverty level
4,727
Below poverty level
501
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,727 90.4% 2.2%
Below poverty level 501 9.6% -10.4%

Average renter income in Winterset

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Winterset, their median household income was $35,658 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 36.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$35,658
Rent-to-income ratio
36.9%
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 Winterset

Workforce and job types in Winterset

The job market in Winterset is powered by 2,706 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.6% run their own businesses, 69.9% are employed by private companies, and 12.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,706
-2.6% year-over-year change
White collar
1,879
Blue collar
827
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,879 69.4% -4.0%
Blue collar 827 30.6% 0.8%
Employer type
Self employees
12.6%
Private companies
69.9%
Governmental workers
12.4%
Not for profit companies
5.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 342 12.6% -31.3%
Private companies 1,892 69.9% 2.9%
Governmental workers 335 12.4% 0.3%
Not for profit companies 137 5.1% 28.0%
Unemployment rate
3.0%
6.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Winterset 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 Winterset

How people get around in Winterset

Commuting methods vary: 81.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.4% 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 2,158 81.8% -6.2%
Walk 63 2.4% -3.1%
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 Winterset by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50273 8,950 3,659 $82,633 $94,979

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FAQs about Winterset demographics 

What is the total population of Winterset?

Winterset has a total population of 5,416 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 +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Winterset?

The gender ratio in Winterset is as follows:
  • 46.5% males (2,519 residents)
  • 53.5% females (2,897 residents)

What is the median age in Winterset?

The median age in Winterset is 37.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Winterset?

The age distribution in Winterset is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.4% (1,107 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14% (759 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.5% (1,382 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18.1% (980 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.9% (1,188 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Winterset?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Winterset is as follows:
  • White: 94.2% (5,104 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.8% (98 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4% (214 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.4% of the population in Winterset.

How many housing units are there in Winterset?

There are 2,468 housing units in Winterset, reflecting a +4.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Winterset has a total of 2,389 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Winterset?

Winterset has a median household income of $67,708, representing a -2.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97% in Winterset, with a workforce of 2,706 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.4% (1,879 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.6% (827 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.6% (342 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.9% (1,892 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.4% (335 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.1% (137 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