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
Age is the most distinctive thing about Black Hawk County: a median age of 35.7, younger than the national median. Black Hawk County is a county in Iowa with a population of 130,693. It is the #5-largest of all counties in Iowa nationally.
Median household income is $64,581, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $182,400, with typical rent around $962.
College attainment is above the local norm at 30.1%, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.5% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 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.