Carlisle, Iowa: A Comprehensive Demographic Profile
Carlisle, Iowa, is a community characterized by steady growth and a deeply rooted rural identity. Over the last century and a half, the city has evolved from a small settlement into a thriving residential hub, maintaining a consistent upward trajectory in population while preserving its rural character.
Population Growth and Historical Trends
Since the mid-19th century, Carlisle has experienced significant expansion. In 1860, the population stood at just 138 residents. The community saw its most rapid acceleration between 1950 and 1980, with the population jumping from 903 to 3,073 residents during those three decades.
By the 2020 census, the population reached 4,160, continuing a trend of steady growth that has defined the city for over 160 years.
Key Facts
- Total Population (2020): 4,160 residents.
- Rural Status: 100% of residents live in rural areas.
- Median Age: 37.1 years (as of 2020).
- Population Density: 736.1 inhabitants per square mile.
- Housing: 1,694 total housing units with a 6.1% vacancy rate.
Detailed 2020 Census Analysis
Household and Family Structure
As of 2020, Carlisle consisted of 1,590 households and 1,139 families. The social fabric of the city is diverse in its living arrangements: 53.6% of households are married couples, while 24.6% are headed by a female householder with no spouse or partner present, and 15.8% are headed by a male householder without a spouse or partner. Approximately 37.6% of all households include children under the age of 18.
Single-person households make up 24.1% of the population, with 11.4% of all households consisting of an individual aged 65 or older living alone.
Age and Gender Distribution
The community maintains a balanced age distribution. Residents under 18 make up 28.2% of the population, while those 65 and older account for 16.3%. The largest adult cohorts are those aged 25 to 44 (25.0%) and 45 to 64 (23.6%).
In terms of gender balance, there are 93.0 males for every 100 females. Among the adult population (18 and over), this ratio shifts slightly to 91.2 males for every 100 females.
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The racial makeup of Carlisle is predominantly White, representing 93.7% of the population. Other groups include individuals identifying as two or more races (4.2%), Hispanic or Latino of any race (3.6%), Black or African American (0.8%), Asian (0.5%), and small percentages of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander residents.
Housing and Infrastructure
The city contains 1,694 housing units, resulting in an average density of 299.7 units per square mile. While the overall vacancy rate is low at 6.1%, there is a notable difference between ownership and rental availability: the homeowner vacancy rate is only 1.0%, whereas the rental vacancy rate is 11.0%.
| Metric | 2000 Census | 2010 Census | 2020 Census |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 3,497 | 3,876 | 4,160 |
| Total Households | 1,338 | 1,474 | 1,590 |
| Population Density (per sq mi) | 807.8 | 697.1 | 736.1 |
| Median Age | 35.0 | 37.5 | 37.1 |
| Housing Units | 1,379 | 1,524 | 1,694 |
Economic Snapshot (2000 Data)
Based on the 2000 census, the median household income in Carlisle was $47,528, with a median family income of $53,924. There was a documented gap in median earnings by gender, with males earning $39,286 compared to $26,162 for females. The per capita income was $19,467. During this period, 3.3% of the population lived below the poverty line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carlisle, Iowa, considered an urban or rural area?
According to the 2020 census, 100% of the residents of Carlisle live in rural areas.
What is the current population density of Carlisle?
As of the 2020 census, the population density was 736.1 inhabitants per square mile.
What is the most common household type in Carlisle?
Married-couple households are the most common, making up 53.6% of all households in 2020.
How has the population changed since 1860?
Carlisle has grown significantly from a population of 138 in 1860 to 4,160 in 2020.
What is the median age of the residents?
The median age in Carlisle was 37.1 years as of the 2020 census.