Delaware County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 40th-largest in Iowa
The population of Delaware County, Iowa is 17,549 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 40th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $76,205, the median home value is $168,700, and the median age is 44.0.
The population of Delaware County has declined 0.9% since 2010 (17,763 → 17,609), a -0.06% annualized rate.
17,549
Population
-0.06%
Annual growth
30
People / sq mi
$76,205
Median Income
$168,700
Median Home Value
Delaware County covers 578 sq mi of land at 30.4 people per square mile.
About Delaware County, IA
Delaware County is a county in Iowa with a population of 17,549. It ranks #40 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 44.0, older than the national median. The population is 50.8% male and 49.2% female.
The median household income in Delaware County is $76,205, near the US median of $74,580. 6.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $168,700, with monthly rent averaging $743. The homeownership rate of 82.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Delaware County reflects 19.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.5 minutes each way.
Delaware County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Delaware County had a population of 17,763 in 2010 and 17,609 in 2024, a -0.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,763 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.06%.
17,609
Population (2024)
17,763
Population (2010)
17,763
Peak (2010)
-0.06%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,763 |
| 2011 | 17,631 |
| 2012 | 17,568 |
| 2013 | 17,475 |
| 2014 | 17,397 |
| 2015 | 17,395 |
| 2016 | 17,289 |
| 2017 | 17,139 |
| 2018 | 17,115 |
| 2019 | 17,057 |
| 2020 | 17,454 |
| 2021 | 17,552 |
| 2022 | 17,590 |
| 2023 | 17,583 |
| 2024 | 17,609 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.0
Median Age
49.2%
Female
50.8%
Male
20.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 20.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $76,205+$3,058 vs state |
| Mean household income | $95,969 |
| Per-capita income | $40,940 |
| Poverty rate | 6.1%-0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 68.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Delaware County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
81.3%
Public transit
8.4%
Work from home
19.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$168,700$-27,200 vs state
Median home value
$743
Median rent
82.4%
Homeownership rate
8,142
Total housing units
88.1%
Occupied
11.9%
Vacant
17.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.0%
With health insurance
89.9%
With broadband internet
10.3%
Foreign-born
5.9%
Veterans (18+)
15.3%
With a disability
97.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.2%
High School+
19.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
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Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Delaware County, Iowa has a population of 17,549 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 40th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 30 people per square mile.
The population of Delaware County has declined 0.9% since 2010 (17,763 → 17,609), a -0.06% annualized rate.
The median household income in Delaware County, Iowa is $76,205, with mean (average) household income of $95,969 and per-capita income of $40,940. 6.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Delaware County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Delaware County, Iowa is 44.0 years. Residents are 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
The median home value in Delaware County is $168,700 and median monthly rent is $743. 82.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,142 total housing units, 11.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Delaware County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.5%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Delaware 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.