Benton County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 25th-largest in Iowa
The population of Benton County, Iowa is 25,698 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 25th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $84,742, the median home value is $198,400, and the median age is 43.3.
The population of Benton County has declined 1.0% since 2010 (26,049 → 25,799), a -0.07% annualized rate.
25,698
Population
-0.07%
Annual growth
36
People / sq mi
$84,742
Median Income
$198,400
Median Home Value
Benton County covers 716 sq mi of land at 35.9 people per square mile.
About Benton County, IA
Homeownership is the standout figure in Benton County: 84.3% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 25,698 residents, Benton County is a county in Iowa. It ranks #25 among counties in Iowa by population.
Median household income is $84,742, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the lowest of comparable US counties, at 4.2% — below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $198,400, with typical rent around $815.
Roughly 24.9% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 10.4%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Benton County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Benton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Benton County had a population of 26,049 in 2010 and 25,799 in 2024, a -1.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 26,079 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.07%.
25,799
Population (2024)
26,049
Population (2010)
26,079
Peak (2011)
-0.07%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 26,049 |
| 2011 | 26,079 |
| 2012 | 25,829 |
| 2013 | 25,698 |
| 2014 | 25,620 |
| 2015 | 25,608 |
| 2016 | 25,634 |
| 2017 | 25,651 |
| 2018 | 25,546 |
| 2019 | 25,544 |
| 2020 | 25,550 |
| 2021 | 25,745 |
| 2022 | 25,756 |
| 2023 | 25,769 |
| 2024 | 25,799 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.3
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
19.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.9% · Seniors (65+): 19.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $84,742+$11,595 vs state |
| Mean household income | $99,622 |
| Per-capita income | $40,995 |
| Poverty rate | 4.2%-2.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Benton County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
79.9%
Public transit
10.4%
Work from home
25.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$198,400+$2,500 vs state
Median home value
$815
Median rent
84.3%
Homeownership rate
11,095
Total housing units
91.1%
Occupied
8.9%
Vacant
15.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.0%
With health insurance
92.7%
With broadband internet
15.1%
Foreign-born
8.8%
Veterans (18+)
11.5%
With a disability
97.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.7%
High School+
24.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Benton County, Iowa has a population of 25,698 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 25th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 36 people per square mile.
The population of Benton County has declined 1.0% since 2010 (26,049 → 25,799), a -0.07% annualized rate.
The median household income in Benton County, Iowa is $84,742, with mean (average) household income of $99,622 and per-capita income of $40,995. 4.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Benton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.3%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%), 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 Benton County, Iowa is 43.3 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Benton County is $198,400 and median monthly rent is $815. 84.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,095 total housing units, 8.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Benton County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.6%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Benton County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
Benton County, IA Climate
Benton County, IA has an average annual temperature of 8.9°C (48°F) and receives about 864 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.9°C
Avg Temp
864
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -8° / 18° | 24 mm |
| February | -5° / 24° | 25 mm |
| March | 2° / 36° | 57 mm |
| April | 10° / 49° | 85 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 102 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 112 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 102 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 108 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 98 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 63 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 53 mm |
| December | -5° / 23° | 35 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 Benton County, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Benton County, IA are typically June, August and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -13°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Benton County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.