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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 11.4% of the population. Butler County is a county in Iowa with a population of 14,301.
Median household income is $69,651, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.8%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $156,500, with typical rent around $780.
Roughly 20.4% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 5.9% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 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.