Black Hawk County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 5th-largest in Iowa
The population of Black Hawk County, Iowa is 130,693 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 5th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $64,581, the median home value is $182,400, and the median age is 35.7.
The population of Black Hawk County has grown 0.9% since 2010 (131,164 → 132,348), a +0.06% annualized rate.
130,693
Population
+0.06%
Annual growth
231
People / sq mi
$64,581
Median Income
$182,400
Median Home Value
Black Hawk County covers 566 sq mi of land at 231.0 people per square mile.
About Black Hawk County, IA
Black Hawk County is a county in Iowa with a population of 130,693. It ranks #5 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 35.7, younger than the national median. The population is 49.2% male and 50.8% female.
The median household income in Black Hawk County is $64,581, below the US median of $74,580. 8.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $182,400, with monthly rent averaging $962. The homeownership rate of 65.3% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Black Hawk County reflects 30.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 16.1 minutes each way.
Black Hawk County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Black Hawk County had a population of 131,164 in 2010 and 132,348 in 2024, a 0.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 133,764 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: 0.07%.
132,348
Population (2024)
131,164
Population (2010)
133,764
Peak (2015)
0.07%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 131,164 |
| 2011 | 131,598 |
| 2012 | 131,904 |
| 2013 | 132,966 |
| 2014 | 133,433 |
| 2015 | 133,764 |
| 2016 | 133,144 |
| 2017 | 132,278 |
| 2018 | 131,769 |
| 2019 | 131,089 |
| 2020 | 131,049 |
| 2021 | 130,587 |
| 2022 | 130,081 |
| 2023 | 131,179 |
| 2024 | 132,348 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 80.4% |
| Black or African American | 9.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
35.7
Median Age
50.8%
Female
49.2%
Male
17.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.2% · Seniors (65+): 17.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,581$-8,566 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,098 |
| Per-capita income | $37,409 |
| Poverty rate | 8.8%+1.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Black Hawk County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
3.3%
Carpool
77.9%
Public transit
8.5%
Work from home
16.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$182,400$-13,500 vs state
Median home value
$962
Median rent
65.3%
Homeownership rate
58,748
Total housing units
91.5%
Occupied
8.5%
Vacant
34.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.6%
With health insurance
94.3%
With broadband internet
18.8%
Foreign-born
5.8%
Veterans (18+)
13.7%
With a disability
91.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.3%
High School+
30.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Black Hawk County, Iowa has a population of 130,693 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 5th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 231 people per square mile.
The population of Black Hawk County has grown 0.9% since 2010 (131,164 → 132,348), a +0.06% annualized rate.
The median household income in Black Hawk County, Iowa is $64,581, with mean (average) household income of $89,098 and per-capita income of $37,409. 8.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Black Hawk County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (80.4%), Black or African American (9.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Black Hawk County, Iowa is 35.7 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
The median home value in Black Hawk County is $182,400 and median monthly rent is $962. 65.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 58,748 total housing units, 8.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Black Hawk County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Black Hawk 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.