Adair County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 88th-largest in Iowa
The population of Adair County, Iowa is 7,471 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 88th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $66,176, the median home value is $140,600, and the median age is 42.6.
The population of Adair County has declined 3.2% since 2010 (7,679 → 7,431), a -0.23% annualized rate.
7,471
Population
-0.23%
Annual growth
13
People / sq mi
$66,176
Median Income
$140,600
Median Home Value
Adair County covers 569 sq mi of land at 13.1 people per square mile.
About Adair County, IA
The poverty rate is what most separates Adair County from the typical county: 5.0% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 7,471 residents, Adair County is a county in Iowa.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $66,176 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 5.0%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $140,600, with typical rent around $730.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 20.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 9.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Adair County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Adair County had a population of 7,679 in 2010 and 7,431 in 2024, a -3.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 7,679 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.22%.
7,431
Population (2024)
7,679
Population (2010)
7,679
Peak (2010)
-0.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 7,679 |
| 2011 | 7,546 |
| 2012 | 7,466 |
| 2013 | 7,385 |
| 2014 | 7,365 |
| 2015 | 7,142 |
| 2016 | 7,006 |
| 2017 | 7,047 |
| 2018 | 7,028 |
| 2019 | 7,102 |
| 2020 | 7,489 |
| 2021 | 7,522 |
| 2022 | 7,457 |
| 2023 | 7,399 |
| 2024 | 7,431 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.9% |
| Black or African American | 1.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.6
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
22.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 22.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $66,176$-6,971 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,076 |
| Per-capita income | $39,526 |
| Poverty rate | 5.0%-1.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Adair County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
80.8%
Public transit
9.5%
Work from home
21.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$140,600$-55,300 vs state
Median home value
$730
Median rent
73.6%
Homeownership rate
3,595
Total housing units
90.7%
Occupied
9.3%
Vacant
26.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.4%
With health insurance
89.4%
With broadband internet
15.0%
Foreign-born
7.4%
Veterans (18+)
14.3%
With a disability
98.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.5%
High School+
20.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Adair County, Iowa has a population of 7,471 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 88th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 13 people per square mile.
The population of Adair County has declined 3.2% since 2010 (7,679 → 7,431), a -0.23% annualized rate.
The median household income in Adair County, Iowa is $66,176, with mean (average) household income of $89,076 and per-capita income of $39,526. 5.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Adair County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.9%), Black or African American (1.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Adair County, Iowa is 42.6 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Adair County is $140,600 and median monthly rent is $730. 73.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,595 total housing units, 9.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Adair County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Adair County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
Adair County, IA Climate
Adair County, IA has an average annual temperature of 9.5°C (49°F) and receives about 877 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.5°C
Avg Temp
877
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 20° | 23 mm |
| February | -3° / 26° | 25 mm |
| March | 3° / 38° | 62 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 87 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 107 mm |
| June | 21° / 71° | 115 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 109 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 99 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 107 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 66 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 46 mm |
| December | -4° / 25° | 31 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Adair County, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Adair County, IA are typically June, August and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Adair County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.