Appanoose County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 61st-largest in Iowa
The population of Appanoose County, Iowa is 12,242 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 61st-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $51,146, the median home value is $119,800, and the median age is 45.5.
The population of Appanoose County has declined 5.9% since 2010 (12,861 → 12,106), a -0.43% annualized rate.
12,242
Population
-0.43%
Annual growth
25
People / sq mi
$51,146
Median Income
$119,800
Median Home Value
Appanoose County covers 497 sq mi of land at 24.6 people per square mile.
About Appanoose County, IA
What sets Appanoose County apart is money: median household income runs $51,146, below the US median of $78,538. Appanoose County is a county in Iowa with a population of 12,242.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $51,146, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.8%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $119,800, with typical rent around $779.
Roughly 19.3% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 6.5% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Appanoose County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Appanoose County had a population of 12,861 in 2010 and 12,106 in 2024, a -5.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,861 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.43%.
12,106
Population (2024)
12,861
Population (2010)
12,861
Peak (2010)
-0.43%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,861 |
| 2011 | 12,853 |
| 2012 | 12,713 |
| 2013 | 12,659 |
| 2014 | 12,678 |
| 2015 | 12,587 |
| 2016 | 12,515 |
| 2017 | 12,367 |
| 2018 | 12,467 |
| 2019 | 12,525 |
| 2020 | 12,283 |
| 2021 | 12,269 |
| 2022 | 12,135 |
| 2023 | 12,129 |
| 2024 | 12,106 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.1% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.5
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
23.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.5% · Seniors (65+): 23.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $51,146$-22,001 vs state |
| Mean household income | $68,465 |
| Per-capita income | $28,911 |
| Poverty rate | 10.8%+3.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Appanoose County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.2%
Carpool
79.3%
Public transit
6.5%
Work from home
21.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$119,800$-76,100 vs state
Median home value
$779
Median rent
69.1%
Homeownership rate
6,314
Total housing units
79.3%
Occupied
20.7%
Vacant
30.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.3%
With health insurance
89.8%
With broadband internet
26.8%
Foreign-born
8.6%
Veterans (18+)
18.0%
With a disability
94.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.7%
High School+
19.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
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Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Appanoose County, Iowa has a population of 12,242 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 61st-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 25 people per square mile.
The population of Appanoose County has declined 5.9% since 2010 (12,861 → 12,106), a -0.43% annualized rate.
The median household income in Appanoose County, Iowa is $51,146, with mean (average) household income of $68,465 and per-capita income of $28,911. 10.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Appanoose County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%), Black or African American (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Appanoose County, Iowa is 45.5 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Appanoose County is $119,800 and median monthly rent is $779. 69.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,314 total housing units, 20.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Appanoose County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Appanoose County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
Appanoose County, IA Climate
Appanoose County, IA has an average annual temperature of 10.3°C (51°F) and receives about 916 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.3°C
Avg Temp
916
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 22° | 27 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 25 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 63 mm |
| April | 11° / 51° | 86 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 108 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 110 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 116 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 104 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 109 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 76 mm |
| November | 4° / 39° | 55 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 37 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 Appanoose County, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Appanoose County, IA are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Appanoose County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.