Skip to main content
Population Review

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.

Emmet County within Iowa · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

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

Housing cost is the defining feature of Emmet County: the median home is valued at $106,200. With 9,316 residents, Emmet County is a county in Iowa.

Household earnings are middling, with a median of $65,181 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.9%, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $106,200, with typical rent around $731.

Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 15.7%, below the national 35.0%. About 6.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 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%.

2010 · 10K20102024
Emmet County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

9,162

Population (2024)

10,277

Population (2010)

10,277

Peak (2010)

-0.81%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201010,277
201110,092
20129,949
20139,886
20149,830
20159,708
20169,588
20179,428
20189,276
20199,224
20209,342
20219,333
20229,197
20239,277
20249,162

Race & Ethnicity

White88.6%
Black or African American2.2%
Asian0.1%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.4%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

43.3

Median Age

49.8%

Female

50.2%

Male

23.5%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
4.3%
5–9
6.5%
10–14
4.8%
15–19
8.9%
20–24
4.8%
25–34
10.3%
35–44
11.4%
45–54
10.8%
55–59
7.3%
60–64
7.4%
65–74
13.8%
75–84
6.3%
85+
3.4%

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 rate6.9%
Unemployment rate1.3%
Employment-to-population63.8%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
22.1%
Manufacturing
18.9%
Construction
6.9%
Finance & real estate
6.8%
Education & health care
6.4%
Agriculture
5.9%
Retail trade
5.7%
Arts, entertainment & food
3.3%

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.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.