Fayette County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 36th-largest in Iowa
The population of Fayette County, Iowa is 19,393 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 36th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $58,764, the median home value is $130,800, and the median age is 43.7.
The population of Fayette County has declined 8.2% since 2010 (20,860 → 19,152), a -0.61% annualized rate.
19,393
Population
-0.61%
Annual growth
27
People / sq mi
$58,764
Median Income
$130,800
Median Home Value
Fayette County covers 731 sq mi of land at 26.5 people per square mile.
About Fayette County, IA
Fayette County is a county in Iowa with a population of 19,393. It ranks #36 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 43.7, older than the national median. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The median household income in Fayette County is $58,764, below the US median of $74,580. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $130,800, with monthly rent averaging $813. The homeownership rate of 77.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Fayette County reflects 18.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.1 minutes each way.
Fayette County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Fayette County had a population of 20,860 in 2010 and 19,152 in 2024, a -8.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,975 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.61%.
19,152
Population (2024)
20,860
Population (2010)
20,975
Peak (2011)
-0.61%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,860 |
| 2011 | 20,975 |
| 2012 | 20,773 |
| 2013 | 20,516 |
| 2014 | 20,288 |
| 2015 | 20,143 |
| 2016 | 19,858 |
| 2017 | 19,680 |
| 2018 | 19,643 |
| 2019 | 19,575 |
| 2020 | 19,448 |
| 2021 | 19,303 |
| 2022 | 19,292 |
| 2023 | 19,239 |
| 2024 | 19,152 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.7
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
22.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.6% · Seniors (65+): 22.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $58,764$-14,383 vs state |
| Mean household income | $75,669 |
| Per-capita income | $32,982 |
| Poverty rate | 9.0%+2.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Fayette County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
3.4%
Carpool
79.3%
Public transit
8.2%
Work from home
22.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$130,800$-65,100 vs state
Median home value
$813
Median rent
77.0%
Homeownership rate
9,324
Total housing units
88.0%
Occupied
12.0%
Vacant
23.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.3%
With health insurance
90.1%
With broadband internet
19.1%
Foreign-born
8.5%
Veterans (18+)
16.4%
With a disability
97.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.4%
High School+
18.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Fayette County, Iowa has a population of 19,393 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 36th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 27 people per square mile.
The population of Fayette County has declined 8.2% since 2010 (20,860 → 19,152), a -0.61% annualized rate.
The median household income in Fayette County, Iowa is $58,764, with mean (average) household income of $75,669 and per-capita income of $32,982. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Fayette County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%), Black or African American (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Fayette County, Iowa is 43.7 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Fayette County is $130,800 and median monthly rent is $813. 77.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,324 total housing units, 12.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Fayette County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Fayette 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.