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Population Review

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.

Crawford County within Iowa · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

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%.

2013 · 17K20102024
Crawford County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

16,378

Population (2024)

17,166

Population (2010)

17,351

Peak (2013)

-0.33%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201017,166
201117,213
201217,292
201317,351
201417,156
201517,069
201617,107
201717,065
201817,081
201916,903
202016,492
202116,242
202216,135
202316,138
202416,378

Race & Ethnicity

White70.1%
Black or African American1.9%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.4%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

37.9

Median Age

49.8%

Female

50.2%

Male

18.1%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.1%
5–9
8.0%
10–14
6.4%
15–19
7.1%
20–24
7.2%
25–34
11.0%
35–44
11.0%
45–54
11.7%
55–59
6.9%
60–64
6.5%
65–74
10.3%
75–84
5.6%
85+
2.2%

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 rate13.6%+6.7% vs state
Unemployment rate1.1%
Employment-to-population63.4%

Top Industries by Employment

Manufacturing
22.6%
Professional & business services
20.5%
Agriculture
7.4%
Education & health care
5.8%
Finance & real estate
5.6%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.0%
Retail trade
4.7%
Construction
4.5%

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.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.