Carroll County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 31st-largest in Iowa
The population of Carroll County, Iowa is 20,677 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 31st-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $68,528, the median home value is $175,700, and the median age is 41.8.
The population of Carroll County has declined 2.0% since 2010 (20,823 → 20,407), a -0.14% annualized rate.
20,677
Population
-0.14%
Annual growth
36
People / sq mi
$68,528
Median Income
$175,700
Median Home Value
Carroll County covers 569 sq mi of land at 36.3 people per square mile.
About Carroll County, IA
The poverty rate is what most separates Carroll County from the typical county: 5.9% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Carroll County is a county in Iowa with a population of 20,677. It ranks #31 among counties in Iowa by population.
Median household income is $68,528, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 5.9%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $175,700, with typical rent around $722.
Roughly 23.4% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 6.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
Carroll County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Carroll County had a population of 20,823 in 2010 and 20,407 in 2024, a -2.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,860 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.14%.
20,407
Population (2024)
20,823
Population (2010)
20,860
Peak (2011)
-0.14%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,823 |
| 2011 | 20,860 |
| 2012 | 20,653 |
| 2013 | 20,539 |
| 2014 | 20,495 |
| 2015 | 20,421 |
| 2016 | 20,362 |
| 2017 | 20,256 |
| 2018 | 20,101 |
| 2019 | 20,118 |
| 2020 | 20,734 |
| 2021 | 20,754 |
| 2022 | 20,565 |
| 2023 | 20,512 |
| 2024 | 20,407 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.8
Median Age
49.5%
Female
50.5%
Male
21.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.4% · Seniors (65+): 21.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,528$-4,619 vs state |
| Mean household income | $86,355 |
| Per-capita income | $37,672 |
| Poverty rate | 5.9%-1.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Carroll County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
83.3%
Public transit
6.5%
Work from home
14.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$175,700$-20,200 vs state
Median home value
$722
Median rent
75.0%
Homeownership rate
9,508
Total housing units
92.0%
Occupied
8.0%
Vacant
25.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.5%
With health insurance
92.3%
With broadband internet
18.0%
Foreign-born
6.3%
Veterans (18+)
12.8%
With a disability
98.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.0%
High School+
23.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Carroll County, Iowa has a population of 20,677 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 31st-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 36 people per square mile.
The population of Carroll County has declined 2.0% since 2010 (20,823 → 20,407), a -0.14% annualized rate.
The median household income in Carroll County, Iowa is $68,528, with mean (average) household income of $86,355 and per-capita income of $37,672. 5.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Carroll County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.6%), Black or African American (0.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Carroll County, Iowa is 41.8 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
The median home value in Carroll County is $175,700 and median monthly rent is $722. 75.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,508 total housing units, 8.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Carroll County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.4%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Carroll County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
Carroll County, IA Climate
Carroll County, IA has an average annual temperature of 8.9°C (48°F) and receives about 829 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.9°C
Avg Temp
829
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -8° / 18° | 20 mm |
| February | -4° / 24° | 20 mm |
| March | 2° / 36° | 57 mm |
| April | 9° / 49° | 83 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 110 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 119 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 104 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 97 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 93 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 63 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 38 mm |
| December | -5° / 23° | 25 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Carroll County, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Carroll County, IA are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -13°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Carroll County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.