Emmet County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 80th-largest in Iowa
The population of Emmet County, Iowa is 9,316 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 80th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $65,181, the median home value is $106,200, and the median age is 43.3.
The population of Emmet County has declined 10.8% since 2010 (10,277 → 9,162), a -0.82% annualized rate.
9,316
Population
-0.82%
Annual growth
24
People / sq mi
$65,181
Median Income
$106,200
Median Home Value
Emmet County covers 396 sq mi of land at 23.5 people per square mile.
About Emmet County, IA
Emmet County is a county in Iowa with a population of 9,316. It ranks #80 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 43.3, older than the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The median household income in Emmet County is $65,181, below the US median of $74,580. 6.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $106,200, with monthly rent averaging $731. The homeownership rate of 77.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Emmet County reflects 15.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.6 minutes each way.
Emmet County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Emmet County had a population of 10,277 in 2010 and 9,162 in 2024, a -10.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 10,277 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.81%.
9,162
Population (2024)
10,277
Population (2010)
10,277
Peak (2010)
-0.81%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,277 |
| 2011 | 10,092 |
| 2012 | 9,949 |
| 2013 | 9,886 |
| 2014 | 9,830 |
| 2015 | 9,708 |
| 2016 | 9,588 |
| 2017 | 9,428 |
| 2018 | 9,276 |
| 2019 | 9,224 |
| 2020 | 9,342 |
| 2021 | 9,333 |
| 2022 | 9,197 |
| 2023 | 9,277 |
| 2024 | 9,162 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.6% |
| Black or African American | 2.2% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.3
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
23.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.6% · Seniors (65+): 23.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $65,181$-7,966 vs state |
| Mean household income | $77,881 |
| Per-capita income | $36,957 |
| Poverty rate | 6.9% |
| Unemployment rate | 1.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Emmet County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
5.7%
Carpool
76.9%
Public transit
6.9%
Work from home
21.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$106,200$-89,700 vs state
Median home value
$731
Median rent
77.7%
Homeownership rate
4,517
Total housing units
86.8%
Occupied
13.2%
Vacant
22.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.6%
With health insurance
95.4%
With broadband internet
30.0%
Foreign-born
5.1%
Veterans (18+)
19.1%
With a disability
92.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.7%
High School+
15.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Emmet County, Iowa has a population of 9,316 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 80th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 24 people per square mile.
The population of Emmet County has declined 10.8% since 2010 (10,277 → 9,162), a -0.82% annualized rate.
The median household income in Emmet County, Iowa is $65,181, with mean (average) household income of $77,881 and per-capita income of $36,957. 6.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Emmet County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.6%), Black or African American (2.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Emmet County, Iowa is 43.3 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Emmet County is $106,200 and median monthly rent is $731. 77.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,517 total housing units, 13.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Emmet County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.3%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Emmet 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.