Clarke County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 77th-largest in Iowa
The population of Clarke County, Iowa is 9,690 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 77th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $66,821, the median home value is $160,200, and the median age is 38.4.
The population of Clarke County has grown 2.2% since 2010 (9,321 → 9,524), a +0.15% annualized rate.
9,690
Population
+0.15%
Annual growth
22
People / sq mi
$66,821
Median Income
$160,200
Median Home Value
Clarke County covers 431 sq mi of land at 22.5 people per square mile.
About Clarke County, IA
Educational attainment is the headline number in Clarke County: 16.0% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Clarke County is a county in Iowa with a population of 9,690.
The typical household here earns about $66,821, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.3%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $160,200, with typical rent around $836.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 16.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. About 8.0% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Clarke County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Clarke County had a population of 9,321 in 2010 and 9,524 in 2024, a 2.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 9,751 in 2021. Average annual growth rate: 0.16%.
9,524
Population (2024)
9,321
Population (2010)
9,751
Peak (2021)
0.16%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,321 |
| 2011 | 9,318 |
| 2012 | 9,339 |
| 2013 | 9,244 |
| 2014 | 9,192 |
| 2015 | 9,213 |
| 2016 | 9,293 |
| 2017 | 9,395 |
| 2018 | 9,489 |
| 2019 | 9,382 |
| 2020 | 9,730 |
| 2021 | 9,751 |
| 2022 | 9,676 |
| 2023 | 9,631 |
| 2024 | 9,524 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 85.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.4
Median Age
48.6%
Female
51.4%
Male
19.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.9% · Seniors (65+): 19.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $66,821$-6,326 vs state |
| Mean household income | $85,744 |
| Per-capita income | $35,360 |
| Poverty rate | 8.3%+1.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Clarke County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.1%
Carpool
79.7%
Public transit
8.0%
Work from home
23.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$160,200$-35,700 vs state
Median home value
$836
Median rent
69.5%
Homeownership rate
4,401
Total housing units
90.9%
Occupied
9.1%
Vacant
30.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.7%
With health insurance
90.7%
With broadband internet
18.1%
Foreign-born
7.2%
Veterans (18+)
18.4%
With a disability
86.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.1%
High School+
16.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Clarke County, Iowa has a population of 9,690 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 77th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 22 people per square mile.
The population of Clarke County has grown 2.2% since 2010 (9,321 → 9,524), a +0.15% annualized rate.
The median household income in Clarke County, Iowa is $66,821, with mean (average) household income of $85,744 and per-capita income of $35,360. 8.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Clarke County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (85.9%), Hispanic or Latino (2.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Clarke County, Iowa is 38.4 years. Residents are 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
The median home value in Clarke County is $160,200 and median monthly rent is $836. 69.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,401 total housing units, 9.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Clarke County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Clarke County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
Clarke County, IA Climate
Clarke County, IA has an average annual temperature of 9.9°C (50°F) and receives about 887 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.9°C
Avg Temp
887
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 22 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 24 mm |
| March | 4° / 38° | 56 mm |
| April | 10° / 51° | 85 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 109 mm |
| June | 21° / 71° | 114 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 111 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 101 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 111 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 73 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 50 mm |
| December | -3° / 26° | 31 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Clarke County, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Clarke County, IA are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Clarke County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.