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
Housing cost is the defining feature of Fayette County: the median home is valued at $130,800. With 19,393 residents, Fayette County is a county in Iowa. It ranks #36 among counties in Iowa by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $58,764 — below the US median of $78,538. About 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $130,800, with typical rent around $813.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 18.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.2%, and the average commute runs about 22 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.