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
Clayton County is a county in Iowa with a population of 17,069. It ranks #41 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 46.4, older than the national median. The population is 50.5% male and 49.5% female.
The median household income in Clayton County is $62,326, below the US median of $74,580. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $155,700, with monthly rent averaging $764. The homeownership rate of 76.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Clayton County reflects 15.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.0 minutes each way.
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
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Part of 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.