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 skews on age — the median resident is 36.2, younger than the national median. Decatur County is a county in Iowa with a population of 7,669.
Median household income is $57,146, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 12.0%, close to the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $109,500, with typical rent around $663.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 24.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.9%, and the average commute runs about 23 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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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.
Decatur County, IA Climate
Decatur County, IA has an average annual temperature of 10.3°C (51°F) and receives about 911 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.3°C
Avg Temp
911
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 22° | 24 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 25 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 59 mm |
| April | 11° / 51° | 89 mm |
| May | 16° / 62° | 112 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 108 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 109 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 110 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 110 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 77 mm |
| November | 4° / 39° | 53 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 35 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 Decatur County, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Decatur County, IA are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Decatur County
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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.