Decorah, IA

Census Place

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    2024 Population
    7,535
    US Senator
    Chuck Grassley
    Republican Party
    US Senator
    Joni Ernst
    Republican Party
    2024 Median Age
    39.5
    8.22% 1-year increase
    2024 Poverty Rate
    8.14%
    5.82% 1-year increase
    2024 Median Household Income
    $64,366
    3.52% 1-year growth
    2024 Median Property Value
    $244,500
    4.22% 1-year growth
    2024 Employed Population
    4,079
    3.43% 1-year decline

    About

    None of the households in Decorah, IA reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

    95.5% of the residents in Decorah, IA are U.S. citizens.

    The largest universities in Decorah, IA are Luther College (401 degrees awarded in 2024).

    In 2024, the median property value in Decorah, IA was $244,500, and the homeownership rate was 61.5%.

    Most people in Decorah, IA drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 12.8 minutes. The average car ownership in Decorah, IA was 2 cars per household.

    United StatesIowaWinneshiek County, IABremer, Winneshiek, Fayette, Clayton, Allamakee, Chickasaw & Howard Counties PUMA, IA

    Population & Diversity

    Decorah, IA is home to a population of 7.54k people, from which 95.5% are citizens. As of 2024, 5.52% of Decorah, IA residents were born outside of the country (416 people).

    In 2024, there were 35.4 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (6.77k people) in Decorah, IA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 191 Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) and 183 Two Races Including Other (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    Population & Diversity

    Citizenship

    95.5%
    2024 Citizenship
    97.7%
    2023 Citizenship

    As of 2024, 95.5% of Decorah, IA residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in Decorah, IA was 97.7%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

    The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Decorah, IA compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Diversity

    Race and Ethnicity

    The 3 largest ethnic groups in Decorah, IA
    1. White (Non-Hispanic)
      6.77k ± 136
    2. Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic)
      191 ± 62
    3. Two Races Including Other (Hispanic)
      183 ± 91
    3.77%
    Hispanic Population
    284 people

    In 2024, there were 35.4 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (6.77k people) in Decorah, IA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 191 Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) and 183 Two Races Including Other (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    3.77% of the people in Decorah, IA are hispanic (284 people).

    The following chart shows the 8 races represented in Decorah, IA as a share of the total population.

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    Global Diversity

    The PUMS dataset is not available at the Place level, so we are showing data for Iowa.
    Most Common Origin
    1. Mexico
      44,333 ± 5,134 people
    2. India
      11,889 ± 2,672 people
    3. Guatemala
      8,189 ± 2,219 people

    In 2024, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Iowa was Mexico, the natal country of 44,333 Iowa residents, followed by India with 11,889 and Guatemala with 8,189.

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    Foreign-Born Population

    5.52%
    2024 Foreign-Born Population
    416 people
    3.8%
    2023 Foreign-Born Population
    289 people

    As of 2024, 5.52% of Decorah, IA residents (416 people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Decorah, IA was 3.8%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

    The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Decorah, IA compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Military

    Veterans

    Most Common Service Period
    1. Vietnam
      183 ± 79
    2. Gulf War (2001-)
      106 ± 70
    3. Gulf War (1990s)
      65 ± 62

    Decorah, IA has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 1.73 times greater than any other conflict.

    The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in Decorah, IA.

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    Health

    96.5% of the population of Decorah, IA has health coverage, with 49% on employee plans, 10.8% on Medicaid, 17.6% on Medicare, 18.1% on non-group plans, and 1.01% on military or VA plans.

    Primary care physicians in Iowa see 1,385 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,385 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1411 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 466 patients per year.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 47.1% were men and 52.9% were women.

    Coverage

    Health Care Diversity

    In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 15.5% under 18 years, 31.6% between 18 and 34 years, 30% between 35 and 64 years, and 22.9% over 64 years.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 47.1% were men and 52.9% were women.

    The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

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    Uninsured People

    3.5%
    Uninsured
    49%
    Employer Coverage
    10.8%
    Medicaid
    17.6%
    Medicare
    18.1%
    Non-Group
    1.01%
    Military or VA

    Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in Decorah, IA grew by 25.3% from 2.8% to 3.5%.

    The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Decorah, IA changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

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    Economy

    The economy of Decorah, IA employs 4.08k people. In 2024, the largest industries in Decorah, IA were Educational Services (1,078 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (537 people), and Manufacturing (451 people), and the highest paying industries were Wholesale Trade ($85,179), Public Administration ($71,250), and Other Services Except Public Administration ($55,702).

    Employment

    Occupations

    4.08k
    2024 Value
    ± 414
    −3.43%
    1 Year decline
    ± 14.3%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Decorah, IA declined at a rate of −3.43%, from 4.22k employees to 4.08k employees.

    The most common job groups, by number of people living in Decorah, IA, are Management Occupations (513 people), Education Instruction, & Library Occupations (421 people), and Sales & Related Occupations (404 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Decorah, IA.

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    Unemployment Insurance Claims

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Iowa.

    This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in Iowa (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

    The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

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    Industries

    Employment by Industries

    4.08k
    2024 Value
    ± 414
    −3.43%
    1 Year decline
    ± 14.3%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Decorah, IA declined at a rate of −3.43%, from 4.22k employees to 4.08k employees.

    The most common employment sectors for those who live in Decorah, IA, are Educational Services (1,078 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (537 people), and Manufacturing (451 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Decorah, IA, though some of these residents may live in Decorah, IA and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

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    Median Earnings by Industry

    $37,096
    Median earning men ± $5,793
    $34,384
    Median earning women ± $4,734

    The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Public Administration ($97,875), Retail Trade ($61,750), and Manufacturing ($49,545).

    The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Public Administration ($70,875), Other Services Except Public Administration ($55,497), and Professional, Scientific, & Management, & Administrative & Waste Management Services ($46,538).

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    Employment by Industry Sector

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Iowa.
    Y-Axis
    1.48%
    Year-over-year growth
    Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

    As of February 2023, there are 1.57M people employed in Iowa. This represents a 1.48% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

    Right after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during April 2020, a general dip can be seen across industry sectors, resulting in an overall decline in employment by 10.9%.

    The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in Iowa.

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    Civics

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Iowa went to Donald J. Trump with 55.7% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (42.5%), followed by Robert Kennedy (0.789%).

    Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are the senators currently representing the state of Iowa. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    Iowa is currently represented by 4 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

    Presidential Elections

    Voting results are not available for Decorah, IA. Showing the available data for Iowa.
    2024 Election Results
    1. Donald J. Trump (55.7%)
      Republican Party
    2. Kamala Harris (42.5%)
      Democratic Party
    3. Robert Kennedy (0.789%)
      Independent Party

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Iowa went to Donald J. Trump with 55.7% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (42.5%), followed by Robert Kennedy (0.789%).

    The following chart shows the popular vote results in Iowa for each registered party from 1976 to 2024.

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    Senator Elections

    US Senators from Iowa

    Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for Iowa.
    Chuck Grassley
    Senator from Iowa3
    Assumed office on January 3, 1981
    Joni Ernst
    Senator from Iowa2
    Assumed office on January 3, 2015

    Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are the senators currently representing Iowa.

    In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    The following chart shows elected senators in Iowa over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

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    Education

    In 2024, universities in Decorah, IA awarded 401 degrees. The student population of Decorah, IA in 2024 is skewed towards women, with 663 male students and 721 female students.

    Most students graduating from Universities in Decorah, IA are White (326 and 87.2%), Hispanic or Latino (19 and 5.08%), Black or African American (11 and 2.94%), and Asian (5 and 1.34%).

    The largest universities in Decorah, IA by number of degrees awarded are Luther College (401 and 100%).

    The most popular majors in Decorah, IA are Registered Nursing (46 and 11.5%), General Business Administration & Management (34 and 8.48%), and General Biological Sciences (28 and 6.98%).

    The median tuition cost for private four year colleges is $51,140.

    Admissions & Enrollments

    Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

    University
    Measure

    In 2024 in Decorah, IA, the percentage of applicants admitted was 71.5%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 19.9%. The number of students enrolled in 2024 was 1,384 (47.9% men and 52.1% women).

    The line chart  shows the evolution of the percentage of applicants admitted, admitted who enrolled or the number of students enrolled according to the option selected in the upper button.

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    Enrollments by Gender and Races

    Universities

    In 2024 there were 1,384 students enrolled in Decorah, IA, 47.9% men and 52.1% women.

    By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 980 records, of which 58.7% were women and 41.3% men.

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    Completions

    Concentrations

    Most Common
    1. Registered Nursing
      46 degrees awarded
    2. General Business Administration & Management
      34 degrees awarded
    3. General Biological Sciences
      28 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the most common concentation for Bachelors Degree recipients in Decorah, IA was Registered Nursing with 46 degrees awarded.

    This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Bachelors Degree from schools in Decorah, IA according to their major.

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    Universities

    Gender
    Race
    Luther College
    Largest Universities by degrees awarded
    401 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Luther College with 401 degrees awarded.

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    Student Diversity

    University

    In 2024, 172 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Decorah, IA, which is 0.751 times less than the 229 female students who received degrees in the same year.

    In 2024, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 326 degrees mean that there were 17.2 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Hispanic or Latino, with 19 degrees awarded.

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    Awarded Degrees over Time

    The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

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    Tuition

    Average Net Price by Sector

    Universities

    Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($51,140) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2024.

    Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($980) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2024.

    Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($1,040) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

    The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

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    Housing & Living

    The median property value in Decorah, IA was $244,500 in 2024, which is 0.735 times smaller than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $234,600 to $244,500, a 4.22% increase. The homeownership rate in Decorah, IA is 61.5%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2%.

    People in Decorah, IA have an average commute time of 12.8 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Decorah, IA is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

    Housing

    Property

    $244,500
    Median Property Value 2024
    ±$15,919
    $1,869
    Median Property Taxes
    ±$241

    The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Decorah, IA the largest share of households pay taxes in the $3k+ range.

    The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Decorah, IA compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

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    Rent vs Own

    61.5%
    Homeownership
    2024
    63.9%
    Homeowners with Mortgage
    2024

    In 2024, 61.5% of the housing units in Decorah, IA were occupied by their owner. This percentage declined from the previous year's rate of 64.7%.

    This chart shows the percentage of owner in Decorah, IA compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

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    Equity

    Household Income

    Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.
    $64,366
    Median Household Income
    ± $4,690
    3.04k
    Number of Households
    ± 337

    In 2024, the median household income of the 3.04k households in Decorah, IA grew to $64,366 from the previous year's value of $62,177.

    The following chart displays the households in Decorah, IA distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

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    Wage Distribution

    The closest comparable wage GINI for Decorah, IA is from Iowa.
    0.435
    2024 Wage GINI in Iowa
    0.441
    2023 Wage GINI in Iowa

    In 2024, the income inequality in Iowa was 0.435 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 1.29% decline from 2023 to 2024, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for Iowa was lower than than the national average of 0.474. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Iowa in comparison to the national average.

    This chart shows the number of workers in Iowa across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

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    Transportation

    Commuter Transportation

    Most Common Commute in 2024
    1. Drove Alone (59.4%)
    2. Walked (21.6%)
    3. Worked At Home (10.8%)

    In 2024, 59.4% of workers in Decorah, IA drove alone to work, followed by those who walked to work (21.6%) and those who worked at home (10.8%).

    The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

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    Commute Time

    12.8 minutes
    Average Travel Time

    Using averages, employees in Decorah, IA have a shorter commute time (12.8 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 0.672% of the workforce in Decorah, IA have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

    The chart below shows how the median household income in Decorah, IA compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Car Ownership

    2 cars
    Average Number

    The following chart displays the households in Decorah, IA distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Decorah, IA have 2 cars.

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    Poverty

    Poverty & Diversity

    8.14% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Decorah, IA (478 out of 5.87k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is lower than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 75+, followed by Females 25 - 34 and then Males 25 - 34.

    The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Decorah, IA is White, followed by Hispanic and Two Or More.

    The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

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