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
Cerro Gordo County is a county in Iowa with a population of 42,785. It ranks #13 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 43.9, older than the national median. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
The median household income in Cerro Gordo County is $65,537, below the US median of $74,580. 5.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $154,100, with monthly rent averaging $840. The homeownership rate of 71.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Cerro Gordo County reflects 24.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 15.8 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.