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
Carroll County is a county in Iowa with a population of 20,677. It ranks #31 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 41.8, older than the national median. The population is 50.5% male and 49.5% female.
The median household income in Carroll County is $68,528, below the US median of $74,580. 5.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $175,700, with monthly rent averaging $722. The homeownership rate of 75.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Carroll County reflects 23.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 14.8 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.
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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.