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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 11.9% of the population. Buchanan County is a county in Iowa with a population of 20,645. It ranks #32 among counties in Iowa by population.
The typical household earns $78,430 a year, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 4.8%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $171,400, with typical rent around $802.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 22.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 8.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 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
Other counties in Iowa
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.