Clayton County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 41st-largest in Iowa
The population of Clayton County, Iowa is 17,069 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 41st-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $62,326, the median home value is $155,700, and the median age is 46.4.
The population of Clayton County has declined 6.4% since 2010 (18,080 → 16,931), a -0.47% annualized rate.
17,069
Population
-0.47%
Annual growth
22
People / sq mi
$62,326
Median Income
$155,700
Median Home Value
Clayton County covers 778 sq mi of land at 21.9 people per square mile.
About Clayton County, IA
Age is the most distinctive thing about Clayton County: a median age of 46.4, older than the national median. With 17,069 residents, Clayton County is a county in Iowa. It ranks #41 among counties in Iowa by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $62,326 — below the US median of $78,538. About 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $155,700, with typical rent around $764.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 15.7%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.7%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Clayton County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Clayton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Clayton County had a population of 18,080 in 2010 and 16,931 in 2024, a -6.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,080 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.47%.
16,931
Population (2024)
18,080
Population (2010)
18,080
Peak (2010)
-0.47%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 18,080 |
| 2011 | 18,019 |
| 2012 | 17,947 |
| 2013 | 17,793 |
| 2014 | 17,771 |
| 2015 | 17,726 |
| 2016 | 17,657 |
| 2017 | 17,647 |
| 2018 | 17,515 |
| 2019 | 17,497 |
| 2020 | 17,034 |
| 2021 | 17,058 |
| 2022 | 17,058 |
| 2023 | 16,985 |
| 2024 | 16,931 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.4
Median Age
49.5%
Female
50.5%
Male
24.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.9% · Seniors (65+): 24.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,326$-10,821 vs state |
| Mean household income | $81,457 |
| Per-capita income | $35,661 |
| Poverty rate | 7.7%+0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Clayton County is professional & business services, accounting for 18.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.8%
Carpool
77.0%
Public transit
8.7%
Work from home
24.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$155,700$-40,200 vs state
Median home value
$764
Median rent
76.6%
Homeownership rate
8,791
Total housing units
84.2%
Occupied
15.8%
Vacant
23.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.4%
With health insurance
88.4%
With broadband internet
25.4%
Foreign-born
7.5%
Veterans (18+)
15.4%
With a disability
93.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.8%
High School+
15.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Clayton County, Iowa has a population of 17,069 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 41st-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 22 people per square mile.
The population of Clayton County has declined 6.4% since 2010 (18,080 → 16,931), a -0.47% annualized rate.
The median household income in Clayton County, Iowa is $62,326, with mean (average) household income of $81,457 and per-capita income of $35,661. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Clayton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.9%), Black or African American (0.7%), Hispanic or Latino (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Clayton County, Iowa is 46.4 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
The median home value in Clayton County is $155,700 and median monthly rent is $764. 76.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,791 total housing units, 15.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Clayton County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 18.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.6%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Clayton 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.