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
Des Moines County is a county in Iowa with a population of 38,597. It ranks #16 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 42.2, older than the national median. The population is 49.3% male and 50.7% female.
The median household income in Des Moines County is $60,662, below the US median of $74,580. 10.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $137,000, with monthly rent averaging $908. The homeownership rate of 72.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Des Moines County reflects 23.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.6 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.