Cerro Gordo County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 13th-largest in Iowa
The population of Cerro Gordo County, Iowa is 42,785 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 13th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $65,537, the median home value is $154,100, and the median age is 43.9.
The population of Cerro Gordo County has declined 3.6% since 2010 (44,097 → 42,493), a -0.26% annualized rate.
42,785
Population
-0.26%
Annual growth
75
People / sq mi
$65,537
Median Income
$154,100
Median Home Value
Cerro Gordo County covers 568 sq mi of land at 75.3 people per square mile.
About Cerro Gordo County, IA
The poverty rate is what most separates Cerro Gordo County from the typical county: 5.5% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 42,785 residents, Cerro Gordo County is a county in Iowa. It ranks #13 among counties in Iowa by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $65,537 — below the US median of $78,538. Only 5.5% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $154,100, with typical rent around $840.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 24.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 7.8% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Cerro Gordo County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cerro Gordo County had a population of 44,097 in 2010 and 42,493 in 2024, a -3.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 44,097 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.26%.
42,493
Population (2024)
44,097
Population (2010)
44,097
Peak (2010)
-0.26%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 44,097 |
| 2011 | 43,971 |
| 2012 | 43,704 |
| 2013 | 43,537 |
| 2014 | 43,224 |
| 2015 | 43,006 |
| 2016 | 43,107 |
| 2017 | 43,030 |
| 2018 | 42,643 |
| 2019 | 42,477 |
| 2020 | 43,021 |
| 2021 | 42,767 |
| 2022 | 42,408 |
| 2023 | 42,470 |
| 2024 | 42,493 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.0% |
| Black or African American | 2.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.9
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
23.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.3% · Seniors (65+): 23.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $65,537$-7,610 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,519 |
| Per-capita income | $40,345 |
| Poverty rate | 5.5%-1.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cerro Gordo County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
78.8%
Public transit
7.8%
Work from home
15.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$154,100$-41,800 vs state
Median home value
$840
Median rent
71.6%
Homeownership rate
22,730
Total housing units
85.4%
Occupied
14.6%
Vacant
28.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.2%
With health insurance
92.4%
With broadband internet
21.4%
Foreign-born
7.3%
Veterans (18+)
14.4%
With a disability
96.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.5%
High School+
24.3%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cerro Gordo County, Iowa has a population of 42,785 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 13th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 75 people per square mile.
The population of Cerro Gordo County has declined 3.6% since 2010 (44,097 → 42,493), a -0.26% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa is $65,537, with mean (average) household income of $89,519 and per-capita income of $40,345. 5.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cerro Gordo County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.0%), Black or African American (2.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa is 43.9 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in Cerro Gordo County is $154,100 and median monthly rent is $840. 71.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 22,730 total housing units, 14.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.7%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Cerro Gordo 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.