Decatur County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 86th-largest in Iowa
The population of Decatur County, Iowa is 7,669 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 86th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $57,146, the median home value is $109,500, and the median age is 36.2.
The population of Decatur County has declined 9.1% since 2010 (8,419 → 7,656), a -0.68% annualized rate.
7,669
Population
-0.68%
Annual growth
14
People / sq mi
$57,146
Median Income
$109,500
Median Home Value
Decatur County covers 532 sq mi of land at 14.4 people per square mile.
About Decatur County, IA
Decatur County is a county in Iowa with a population of 7,669. It ranks #86 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 36.2, younger than the national median. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The median household income in Decatur County is $57,146, below the US median of $74,580. 12.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $109,500, with monthly rent averaging $663. The homeownership rate of 68.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Decatur County reflects 24.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.9 minutes each way.
Decatur County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Decatur County had a population of 8,419 in 2010 and 7,656 in 2024, a -9.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 8,419 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.67%.
7,656
Population (2024)
8,419
Population (2010)
8,419
Peak (2010)
-0.67%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,419 |
| 2011 | 8,250 |
| 2012 | 8,241 |
| 2013 | 8,223 |
| 2014 | 8,216 |
| 2015 | 8,145 |
| 2016 | 8,061 |
| 2017 | 7,956 |
| 2018 | 7,901 |
| 2019 | 7,852 |
| 2020 | 7,733 |
| 2021 | 7,797 |
| 2022 | 7,822 |
| 2023 | 7,781 |
| 2024 | 7,656 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.9% |
| Black or African American | 1.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.2
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
20.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.7% · Seniors (65+): 20.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $57,146$-16,001 vs state |
| Mean household income | $70,495 |
| Per-capita income | $27,508 |
| Poverty rate | 12.0%+5.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Decatur County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
5.8%
Carpool
75.7%
Public transit
7.9%
Work from home
22.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$109,500$-86,400 vs state
Median home value
$663
Median rent
68.0%
Homeownership rate
3,651
Total housing units
83.5%
Occupied
16.5%
Vacant
32.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.1%
With health insurance
88.4%
With broadband internet
29.5%
Foreign-born
6.3%
Veterans (18+)
15.3%
With a disability
93.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.0%
High School+
24.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
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Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Decatur County, Iowa has a population of 7,669 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 86th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 14 people per square mile.
The population of Decatur County has declined 9.1% since 2010 (8,419 → 7,656), a -0.68% annualized rate.
The median household income in Decatur County, Iowa is $57,146, with mean (average) household income of $70,495 and per-capita income of $27,508. 12.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Decatur County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.9%), Black or African American (1.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Decatur County, Iowa is 36.2 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Decatur County is $109,500 and median monthly rent is $663. 68.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,651 total housing units, 16.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Decatur County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Decatur 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.