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
Appanoose County is a county in Iowa with a population of 12,242. It ranks #61 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 45.5, older than the national median. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.
The median household income in Appanoose County is $51,146, below the US median of $74,580. 10.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $119,800, with monthly rent averaging $779. The homeownership rate of 69.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Appanoose County reflects 19.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.3 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+
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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.
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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.