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.
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
The poverty rate is what most separates Adams County from the typical county: 3.6% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 3,641 residents, Adams County is a county in Iowa.
Median household income is $68,828, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 3.6%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $116,900, with typical rent around $909.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 24.5% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 9.7% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 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%.
3,606
Population (2024)
4,023
Population (2010)
4,023
Peak (2010)
-0.77%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,023 |
| 2011 | 3,994 |
| 2012 | 3,910 |
| 2013 | 3,890 |
| 2014 | 3,874 |
| 2015 | 3,752 |
| 2016 | 3,690 |
| 2017 | 3,655 |
| 2018 | 3,628 |
| 2019 | 3,602 |
| 2020 | 3,710 |
| 2021 | 3,641 |
| 2022 | 3,602 |
| 2023 | 3,553 |
| 2024 | 3,606 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.6
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
23.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 3.6%-3.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
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.
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Statewide data for Iowa
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Iowa
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.