Moorhead, MS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,439
5.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$34,625/yr
-3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
643
-2.0% year-over-year change

Moorhead population

How many people live in Moorhead

Moorhead is home to 1,439 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 43.2% of Moorhead locals are male, and 56.8% are female.

Total population
1,439
5.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
43.2%
621
Female
56.8%
818
Value Percent YoY change
Male 621 43.2% 27.8%
Female 818 56.8% -7.5%
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 Moorhead is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 9.7% are children under 15, then 32.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.1% of the population, while another 24.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
9.7%
15 to 24
32.1%
25 to 44
18.1%
45 to 64
24.7%
Over 65
15.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 139 9.7% -15.2%
15 to 24 462 32.1% 14.1%
25 to 44 261 18.1% 20.8%
45 to 64 356 24.7% 9.2%
Over 65 221 15.4% -14.7%
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 Moorhead, 99.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 12.4% of locals are Caucasian, 87% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.1%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,429 99.3% 5.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2 0.1% 0.0%
Non-citizens 8 0.6% -20.0%
Racial breakdown
White
12.4%
Black or African American
87%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 179 12.4%
Black or African American 1,252 87%
Asian 8 0.6%

Households in Moorhead

A peek inside Moorhead households

Moorhead has 496 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.6% are families, while the remaining 49.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
496
6.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
245
Family households
251
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 245 49.4% 0.4%
Family households 251 50.6% 12.1%
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 Moorhead

The housing landscape of Moorhead

Moorhead's housing consists of 643 units, with 77% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
643
-2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 495 77%
2 units 27 4.2%
3 or 4 units 12 1.9%
5 to 9 units 79 12.3%
10 to 19 units 9 1.4%
Mobile home 21 3.3%
Homes built since 2020
9
-10.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Moorhead

In Moorhead, the median construction year is 1979. About 13.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 84 13.1% 37.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 26 4% -18.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 34 5.3% -19.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 83 12.9% 10.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 105 16.3% -34.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 154 24% 63.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 24 3.7% -60.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 84 13.1% -9.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 40 6.2% 37.9%
Built in 2020 or later 9 1.4% -10.0%
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.

Moorhead occupancy rates

Out of the 496 occupied housing units in Moorhead, 56.6% are owner-occupied, while 43.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 22.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
496
6.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
215
Owner occupied
281
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 215 43.4% 31.1%
Owner occupied 281 56.6% -7.6%
Unoccupied housing units
22.9%
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.

Moorhead housing costs

Housing costs in Moorhead come to a median of $519 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $636.

Median housing costs per month
$519/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 Moorhead
$636/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 Moorhead

Moorhead education at a glance

About 41.6% of the population in Moorhead went to high school, while 33% pursued college studies. Another 8% earned an associate degree and 8.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 50 4% 6.4%
High school diploma 517 41.6% 8.4%
College diploma 410 33% 2.0%
Associate degree 100 8% 6.4%
Bachelor's degree 108 8.7% -2.7%
Graduate degree 57 4.6% 54.0%
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 Moorhead

How much people earn in Moorhead

The average annual household income in Moorhead was $47,846 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -6.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $34,625, reflecting a -3.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Moorhead
$47,846/year
-6.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Moorhead
$34,625/year
-3.5% year-over-year change

Moorhead income by age

In Moorhead, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $40,329. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $37,880 overall. Overall, 75% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $40,329 6.3%
45 - 64 $37,880 4.4%
Over 65 $33,824 -0.8%
Above poverty level
793
Below poverty level
265
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 793 75% 7.0%
Below poverty level 265 25% -8.0%

Average renter income in Moorhead

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Moorhead, their median household income was $23,173 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$23,173
Rent-to-income ratio
32.9%
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 Moorhead

Workforce and job types in Moorhead

The job market in Moorhead is powered by 349 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.2% run their own businesses, 64.5% are employed by private companies, and 28.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
349
1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
245
Blue collar
104
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 245 70.2% -6.8%
Blue collar 104 29.8% 30.0%
Employer type
Self employees
3.2%
Private companies
64.5%
Governmental workers
28.4%
Not for profit companies
4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 11 3.2% 0.0%
Private companies 225 64.5% -4.3%
Governmental workers 99 28.4% 35.6%
Not for profit companies 14 4% -41.7%
Unemployment rate
20.1%
-11.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Moorhead stands at 20.1%, 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 Moorhead

How people get around in Moorhead

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 305 92.7% 9.3%
Bus or trolleybus 5 1.5% -16.7%
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 Moorhead by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38761 1,903 626 $33,625 $52,246

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FAQs about Moorhead demographics 

What is the total population of Moorhead?

Moorhead has a total population of 1,439 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 +5.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Moorhead?

The gender ratio in Moorhead is as follows:
  • 43.2% males (621 residents)
  • 56.8% females (818 residents)

What is the median age in Moorhead?

The median age in Moorhead is 33.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Moorhead?

The age distribution in Moorhead is as follows:
  • Under 15: 9.7% (139 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 32.1% (462 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.1% (261 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.7% (356 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.4% (221 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Moorhead?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Moorhead is as follows:
  • White: 12.4% (179 residents)
  • Black or African American: 87% (1,252 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (8 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0% (0 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.3% of the population in Moorhead.

How many housing units are there in Moorhead?

There are 643 housing units in Moorhead, reflecting a -2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Moorhead has a total of 496 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Moorhead?

Moorhead has a median household income of $34,625, representing a -3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 79.9% in Moorhead, with a workforce of 349 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.2% (245 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.8% (104 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.2% (11 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.5% (225 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.4% (99 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4% (14 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