Cherokee County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 66th-largest in Iowa
The population of Cherokee County, Iowa is 11,587 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 66th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $64,478, the median home value is $145,100, and the median age is 44.5.
The population of Cherokee County has declined 3.7% since 2010 (12,110 → 11,658), a -0.27% annualized rate.
11,587
Population
-0.27%
Annual growth
20
People / sq mi
$64,478
Median Income
$145,100
Median Home Value
Cherokee County covers 577 sq mi of land at 20.1 people per square mile.
About Cherokee County, IA
Cherokee County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 16.5% of the population. Cherokee County is a county in Iowa with a population of 11,587.
Median household income is $64,478, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.6%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $145,100, with typical rent around $711.
21.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.3%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Cherokee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cherokee County had a population of 12,110 in 2010 and 11,658 in 2024, a -3.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,110 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.26%.
11,658
Population (2024)
12,110
Population (2010)
12,110
Peak (2010)
-0.26%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,110 |
| 2011 | 12,027 |
| 2012 | 11,954 |
| 2013 | 11,876 |
| 2014 | 11,803 |
| 2015 | 11,488 |
| 2016 | 11,386 |
| 2017 | 11,315 |
| 2018 | 11,281 |
| 2019 | 11,231 |
| 2020 | 11,658 |
| 2021 | 11,539 |
| 2022 | 11,492 |
| 2023 | 11,652 |
| 2024 | 11,658 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.9% |
| Black or African American | 2.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.5
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
24.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.6% · Seniors (65+): 24.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,478$-8,669 vs state |
| Mean household income | $83,796 |
| Per-capita income | $37,174 |
| Poverty rate | 9.6%+2.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cherokee County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
80.3%
Public transit
7.3%
Work from home
18.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$145,100$-50,800 vs state
Median home value
$711
Median rent
73.3%
Homeownership rate
5,555
Total housing units
91.5%
Occupied
8.5%
Vacant
26.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.9%
With health insurance
88.9%
With broadband internet
16.5%
Foreign-born
9.1%
Veterans (18+)
11.8%
With a disability
94.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.1%
High School+
21.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cherokee County, Iowa has a population of 11,587 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 66th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 20 people per square mile.
The population of Cherokee County has declined 3.7% since 2010 (12,110 → 11,658), a -0.27% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cherokee County, Iowa is $64,478, with mean (average) household income of $83,796 and per-capita income of $37,174. 9.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cherokee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.9%), Black or African American (2.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cherokee County, Iowa is 44.5 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Cherokee County is $145,100 and median monthly rent is $711. 73.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,555 total housing units, 8.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cherokee County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Cherokee 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.