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Population Review

Adams County, Iowa Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 99th-largest in Iowa

The population of Adams County, Iowa is 3,641 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 99th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $68,828, the median home value is $116,900, and the median age is 46.6.

The population of Adams County has declined 10.4% since 2010 (4,023 → 3,606), a -0.78% annualized rate.

Adams County within Iowa · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

3,641

Population

-0.78%

Annual growth

9

People / sq mi

$68,828

Median Income

$116,900

Median Home Value

Adams County covers 423 sq mi of land at 8.6 people per square mile.

About Adams County, IA

Adams County is a county in Iowa with a population of 3,641. It ranks #99 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 46.6, older than the national median. The population is 49.6% male and 50.4% female.

The median household income in Adams County is $68,828, below the US median of $74,580. 3.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $116,900, with monthly rent averaging $909. The homeownership rate of 76.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Adams County reflects 24.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.6 minutes each way.

Adams County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Adams County had a population of 4,023 in 2010 and 3,606 in 2024, a -10.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 4,023 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.77%.

2010 · 4K20102024

3,606

Population (2024)

4,023

Population (2010)

4,023

Peak (2010)

-0.77%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
20104,023
20113,994
20123,910
20133,890
20143,874
20153,752
20163,690
20173,655
20183,628
20193,602
20203,710
20213,641
20223,602
20233,553
20243,606

Race & Ethnicity

White95.4%
Black or African American0.4%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)3.0%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

46.6

Median Age

50.4%

Female

49.6%

Male

23.9%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.4%
5–9
6.1%
10–14
6.6%
15–19
5.6%
20–24
3.4%
25–34
10.3%
35–44
11.1%
45–54
10.4%
55–59
8.4%
60–64
8.7%
65–74
12.7%
75–84
8.5%
85+
2.7%

Children (under 15): 18.1% · Seniors (65+): 23.9%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$68,828$-4,319 vs state
Mean household income$97,667
Per-capita income$41,778
Poverty rate3.6%-3.3% vs state
Unemployment rate1.8%
Employment-to-population59.5%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
26.2%
Manufacturing
16.9%
Agriculture
11.7%
Information
7.1%
Arts, entertainment & food
6.0%
Education & health care
5.7%
Construction
5.3%
Finance & real estate
5.2%

The largest employment sector in Adams County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.2% of workers.

How residents commute

0.0%

Drive alone

3.6%

Carpool

75.9%

Public transit

9.7%

Work from home

19.6 min

Avg commute

Housing

$116,900$-79,000 vs state

Median home value

$909

Median rent

76.7%

Homeownership rate

1,892

Total housing units

80.9%

Occupied

19.1%

Vacant

23.3%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

95.9%

With health insurance

89.0%

With broadband internet

23.8%

Foreign-born

8.9%

Veterans (18+)

14.9%

With a disability

98.5%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

92.6%

High School+

24.5%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Iowa

Other counties in Iowa

Part of Iowa

Metro areas in Iowa

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Adams County, Iowa has a population of 3,641 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 99th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 9 people per square mile.

The population of Adams County has declined 10.4% since 2010 (4,023 → 3,606), a -0.78% annualized rate.

The median household income in Adams County, Iowa is $68,828, with mean (average) household income of $97,667 and per-capita income of $41,778. 3.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Adams County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.4%), Hispanic or Latino (3.0%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Adams County, Iowa is 46.6 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.

The median home value in Adams County is $116,900 and median monthly rent is $909. 76.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,892 total housing units, 19.1% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Adams County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.8%.

Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Adams County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.