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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 10.3% of the population. With 17,549 residents, Delaware County is a county in Iowa. It ranks #40 among counties in Iowa by population.
Households take in a median $76,205, comfortably near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 6.1%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $168,700, with typical rent around $743.
Roughly 19.7% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.4%, and the average commute runs about 20 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
Other counties in Iowa
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.