Des Moines County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 16th-largest in Iowa
The population of Des Moines County, Iowa is 38,597 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 16th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $60,662, the median home value is $137,000, and the median age is 42.2.
The population of Des Moines County has declined 4.6% since 2010 (40,243 → 38,411), a -0.33% annualized rate.
38,597
Population
-0.33%
Annual growth
93
People / sq mi
$60,662
Median Income
$137,000
Median Home Value
Des Moines County covers 416 sq mi of land at 92.8 people per square mile.
About Des Moines County, IA
Remote work is unusually rare in Des Moines County: 4.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. With 38,597 residents, Des Moines County is a county in Iowa. It ranks #16 among counties in Iowa by population.
Median household income is $60,662, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 10.4%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $137,000, with typical rent around $908.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 23.8% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.3% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Des Moines County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Des Moines County had a population of 40,243 in 2010 and 38,411 in 2024, a -4.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 40,421 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -0.33%.
38,411
Population (2024)
40,243
Population (2010)
40,421
Peak (2013)
-0.33%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 40,243 |
| 2011 | 40,074 |
| 2012 | 40,247 |
| 2013 | 40,421 |
| 2014 | 40,127 |
| 2015 | 39,909 |
| 2016 | 39,719 |
| 2017 | 39,400 |
| 2018 | 39,259 |
| 2019 | 39,051 |
| 2020 | 38,856 |
| 2021 | 38,545 |
| 2022 | 38,258 |
| 2023 | 38,360 |
| 2024 | 38,411 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 86.3% |
| Black or African American | 4.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.2
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
21.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.7% · Seniors (65+): 21.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,662$-12,485 vs state |
| Mean household income | $81,543 |
| Per-capita income | $36,246 |
| Poverty rate | 10.4%+3.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Des Moines County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
81.9%
Public transit
4.3%
Work from home
18.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$137,000$-58,900 vs state
Median home value
$908
Median rent
72.7%
Homeownership rate
18,778
Total housing units
91.5%
Occupied
8.5%
Vacant
27.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.0%
With health insurance
93.1%
With broadband internet
21.4%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
16.5%
With a disability
96.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.0%
High School+
23.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Des Moines County, Iowa has a population of 38,597 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 16th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 93 people per square mile.
The population of Des Moines County has declined 4.6% since 2010 (40,243 → 38,411), a -0.33% annualized rate.
The median household income in Des Moines County, Iowa is $60,662, with mean (average) household income of $81,543 and per-capita income of $36,246. 10.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Des Moines County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (86.3%), Black or African American (4.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Des Moines County, Iowa is 42.2 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Des Moines County is $137,000 and median monthly rent is $908. 72.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 18,778 total housing units, 8.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Des Moines County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Des Moines 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.