Buchanan County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 32nd-largest in Iowa
The population of Buchanan County, Iowa is 20,645 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 32nd-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $78,430, the median home value is $171,400, and the median age is 39.9.
The population of Buchanan County has declined 1.2% since 2010 (20,975 → 20,733), a -0.08% annualized rate.
20,645
Population
-0.08%
Annual growth
36
People / sq mi
$78,430
Median Income
$171,400
Median Home Value
Buchanan County covers 571 sq mi of land at 36.2 people per square mile.
About Buchanan County, IA
Buchanan County is a county in Iowa with a population of 20,645. It ranks #32 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 39.9, in line with the national median. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The median household income in Buchanan County is $78,430, above the US median of $74,580. 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $171,400, with monthly rent averaging $802. The homeownership rate of 81.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Buchanan County reflects 22.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.1 minutes each way.
Buchanan County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Buchanan County had a population of 20,975 in 2010 and 20,733 in 2024, a -1.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,148 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: -0.08%.
20,733
Population (2024)
20,975
Population (2010)
21,148
Peak (2019)
-0.08%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,975 |
| 2011 | 20,911 |
| 2012 | 20,995 |
| 2013 | 21,028 |
| 2014 | 21,135 |
| 2015 | 21,110 |
| 2016 | 20,999 |
| 2017 | 21,133 |
| 2018 | 21,140 |
| 2019 | 21,148 |
| 2020 | 20,606 |
| 2021 | 20,707 |
| 2022 | 20,700 |
| 2023 | 20,725 |
| 2024 | 20,733 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.9
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
18.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.7% · Seniors (65+): 18.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $78,430+$5,283 vs state |
| Mean household income | $92,603 |
| Per-capita income | $37,392 |
| Poverty rate | 4.8%-2.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Buchanan County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
3.1%
Carpool
78.2%
Public transit
8.9%
Work from home
23.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$171,400$-24,500 vs state
Median home value
$802
Median rent
81.1%
Homeownership rate
8,946
Total housing units
91.1%
Occupied
8.9%
Vacant
18.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.1%
With health insurance
91.4%
With broadband internet
11.9%
Foreign-born
6.9%
Veterans (18+)
12.0%
With a disability
96.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.6%
High School+
22.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
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Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Buchanan County, Iowa has a population of 20,645 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 32nd-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 36 people per square mile.
The population of Buchanan County has declined 1.2% since 2010 (20,975 → 20,733), a -0.08% annualized rate.
The median household income in Buchanan County, Iowa is $78,430, with mean (average) household income of $92,603 and per-capita income of $37,392. 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Buchanan County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.4%), Black or African American (0.7%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Buchanan County, Iowa is 39.9 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Buchanan County is $171,400 and median monthly rent is $802. 81.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,946 total housing units, 8.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Buchanan County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Buchanan 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.