Butler County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 55th-largest in Iowa
The population of Butler County, Iowa is 14,301 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 55th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $69,651, the median home value is $156,500, and the median age is 43.7.
The population of Butler County has declined 5.1% since 2010 (14,916 → 14,156), a -0.37% annualized rate.
14,301
Population
-0.37%
Annual growth
25
People / sq mi
$69,651
Median Income
$156,500
Median Home Value
Butler County covers 580 sq mi of land at 24.7 people per square mile.
About Butler County, IA
Butler County is a county in Iowa with a population of 14,301. It ranks #55 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 43.7, older than the national median. The population is 49.6% male and 50.4% female.
The median household income in Butler County is $69,651, below the US median of $74,580. 7.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $156,500, with monthly rent averaging $780. The homeownership rate of 80.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Butler County reflects 20.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.6 minutes each way.
Butler County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Butler County had a population of 14,916 in 2010 and 14,156 in 2024, a -5.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 14,973 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -0.37%.
14,156
Population (2024)
14,916
Population (2010)
14,973
Peak (2013)
-0.37%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,916 |
| 2011 | 14,966 |
| 2012 | 14,972 |
| 2013 | 14,973 |
| 2014 | 14,958 |
| 2015 | 14,880 |
| 2016 | 14,694 |
| 2017 | 14,593 |
| 2018 | 14,516 |
| 2019 | 14,404 |
| 2020 | 14,334 |
| 2021 | 14,351 |
| 2022 | 14,275 |
| 2023 | 14,225 |
| 2024 | 14,156 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.7
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
22.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.0% · Seniors (65+): 22.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $69,651$-3,496 vs state |
| Mean household income | $84,585 |
| Per-capita income | $35,364 |
| Poverty rate | 7.8%+0.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Butler County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
83.2%
Public transit
5.9%
Work from home
24.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$156,500$-39,400 vs state
Median home value
$780
Median rent
80.0%
Homeownership rate
6,569
Total housing units
89.6%
Occupied
10.4%
Vacant
20.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.2%
With health insurance
89.7%
With broadband internet
11.4%
Foreign-born
7.4%
Veterans (18+)
11.5%
With a disability
97.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.6%
High School+
20.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Butler County, Iowa has a population of 14,301 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 55th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 25 people per square mile.
The population of Butler County has declined 5.1% since 2010 (14,916 → 14,156), a -0.37% annualized rate.
The median household income in Butler County, Iowa is $69,651, with mean (average) household income of $84,585 and per-capita income of $35,364. 7.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Butler County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.3%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Butler County, Iowa is 43.7 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
The median home value in Butler County is $156,500 and median monthly rent is $780. 80.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,569 total housing units, 10.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Butler County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Butler 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.