Denison city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Denison city, Iowa has a total population of 8,247, the 48th largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $63,850, which is 13% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 20.2%.
Key Takeaways
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%.
Denison city Quick Facts
How Denison city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 30 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Denison city Rankings in Iowa
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Cities Similar to Denison city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perry city | 7,928 | $63,983 | $122,100 | 14.7% | 11.4% |
| Webster City city | 7,769 | $65,844 | $115,400 | 21.7% | 9.5% |
| Decorah city | 7,597 | $62,177 | $234,600 | 46.1% | 7.7% |
| Clear Lake city | 7,603 | $70,278 | $235,100 | 29.7% | 7.3% |
| Mount Pleasant city | 9,093 | $59,216 | $145,600 | 23.5% | 17.1% |
Population Overview
Denison city is a small city located in Iowa. The total population is 8,247. It ranks as the 48th most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Denison city is 34.0 years. This is 12% lower than the state median of 38.6 years. With 28.2% of the population under 18, Denison city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Denison city is $63,850. This is 13% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 19% lower. The poverty rate stands at 20.2%. This is 83% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 1.9%. This is 49% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $137,600. Housing costs are 30% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x, Denison city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 74.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 4% higher than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Denison city is Hispanic or Latino, making up 48.7% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 43.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (48.7% vs 7.0%).
Education
18.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 40% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 75.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Denison city, Iowa is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Iowa state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,018 Census-designated places in Iowa. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Denison city, Iowa?
Denison city, Iowa has a population of 8,247 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Denison city, IA?
The median household income in Denison city is $63,850, which is 19% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Denison city, IA?
The poverty rate in Denison city is 20.2%. This means approximately 1,632 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Denison city, Iowa?
Denison city's population is 43.6% White, 2.9% Black, 48.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Denison city, IA?
The median home value in Denison city is $137,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x.
How educated is Denison city, Iowa?
18.5% of adults (25+) in Denison city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.