Crawford County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 47th-largest in Iowa
The population of Crawford County, Iowa is 16,289 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 47th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $65,039, the median home value is $136,300, and the median age is 37.9.
The population of Crawford County has declined 4.6% since 2010 (17,166 → 16,378), a -0.34% annualized rate.
16,289
Population
-0.34%
Annual growth
23
People / sq mi
$65,039
Median Income
$136,300
Median Home Value
Crawford County covers 714 sq mi of land at 22.8 people per square mile.
About Crawford County, IA
Age is the most distinctive thing about Crawford County: a median age of 37.9, younger than the national median. Crawford County is a county in Iowa with a population of 16,289. It ranks #47 among counties in Iowa by population.
The typical household here earns about $65,039, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 13.6% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $136,300, with typical rent around $727.
Roughly 18.3% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 6.1% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Crawford County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Crawford County had a population of 17,166 in 2010 and 16,378 in 2024, a -4.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,351 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -0.33%.
16,378
Population (2024)
17,166
Population (2010)
17,351
Peak (2013)
-0.33%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,166 |
| 2011 | 17,213 |
| 2012 | 17,292 |
| 2013 | 17,351 |
| 2014 | 17,156 |
| 2015 | 17,069 |
| 2016 | 17,107 |
| 2017 | 17,065 |
| 2018 | 17,081 |
| 2019 | 16,903 |
| 2020 | 16,492 |
| 2021 | 16,242 |
| 2022 | 16,135 |
| 2023 | 16,138 |
| 2024 | 16,378 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 70.1% |
| Black or African American | 1.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.9
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
18.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.5% · Seniors (65+): 18.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $65,039$-8,108 vs state |
| Mean household income | $83,966 |
| Per-capita income | $32,731 |
| Poverty rate | 13.6%+6.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Crawford County is manufacturing, accounting for 22.6% of workers.
How residents commute
2.8%
Drive alone
3.5%
Carpool
76.7%
Public transit
6.1%
Work from home
17.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$136,300$-59,600 vs state
Median home value
$727
Median rent
78.7%
Homeownership rate
6,852
Total housing units
90.9%
Occupied
9.1%
Vacant
21.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.4%
With health insurance
93.7%
With broadband internet
21.6%
Foreign-born
5.8%
Veterans (18+)
15.8%
With a disability
72.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.0%
High School+
18.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Crawford County, Iowa has a population of 16,289 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 47th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 23 people per square mile.
The population of Crawford County has declined 4.6% since 2010 (17,166 → 16,378), a -0.34% annualized rate.
The median household income in Crawford County, Iowa is $65,039, with mean (average) household income of $83,966 and per-capita income of $32,731. 13.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Crawford County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (70.1%), Black or African American (1.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Crawford County, Iowa is 37.9 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Crawford County is $136,300 and median monthly rent is $727. 78.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,852 total housing units, 9.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Crawford County, Iowa is manufacturing, employing 22.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.1%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Crawford County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
Crawford County, IA Climate
Crawford County, IA has an average annual temperature of 9.1°C (48°F) and receives about 766 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.1°C
Avg Temp
766
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 19° | 18 mm |
| February | -4° / 25° | 21 mm |
| March | 2° / 36° | 51 mm |
| April | 10° / 49° | 68 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 104 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 110 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 90 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 96 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 93 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 58 mm |
| November | 2° / 35° | 32 mm |
| December | -5° / 23° | 25 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 Crawford County, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Crawford County, IA are typically June, August and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Crawford County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.