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 a county in Iowa with a population of 11,587. It ranks #66 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 44.5, older than the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Cherokee County is $64,478, below the US median of $74,580. 9.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $145,100, with monthly rent averaging $711. The homeownership rate of 73.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Cherokee County reflects 21.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.3 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
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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.