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.
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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.