Hamilton County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 51st-largest in Iowa
The population of Hamilton County, Iowa is 14,893 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 51st-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $71,750, the median home value is $132,300, and the median age is 42.2.
The population of Hamilton County has declined 5.0% since 2010 (15,634 → 14,856), a -0.36% annualized rate.
14,893
Population
-0.36%
Annual growth
26
People / sq mi
$71,750
Median Income
$132,300
Median Home Value
Hamilton County covers 577 sq mi of land at 25.8 people per square mile.
About Hamilton County, IA
Hamilton County is a county in Iowa with a population of 14,893. It ranks #51 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 42.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.6% male and 49.4% female.
The median household income in Hamilton County is $71,750, near the US median of $74,580. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $132,300, with monthly rent averaging $853. The homeownership rate of 73.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Hamilton County reflects 22.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.7 minutes each way.
Hamilton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hamilton County had a population of 15,634 in 2010 and 14,856 in 2024, a -5.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 15,634 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.36%.
14,856
Population (2024)
15,634
Population (2010)
15,634
Peak (2010)
-0.36%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,634 |
| 2011 | 15,468 |
| 2012 | 15,321 |
| 2013 | 15,347 |
| 2014 | 15,222 |
| 2015 | 15,220 |
| 2016 | 15,090 |
| 2017 | 15,034 |
| 2018 | 14,887 |
| 2019 | 14,797 |
| 2020 | 15,011 |
| 2021 | 14,866 |
| 2022 | 14,848 |
| 2023 | 14,848 |
| 2024 | 14,856 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.4% |
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.2
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
21.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.5% · Seniors (65+): 21.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,750$-1,397 vs state |
| Mean household income | $88,499 |
| Per-capita income | $38,075 |
| Poverty rate | 7.7%+0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hamilton County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
3.4%
Carpool
83.9%
Public transit
6.4%
Work from home
21.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$132,300$-63,600 vs state
Median home value
$853
Median rent
73.8%
Homeownership rate
7,056
Total housing units
89.5%
Occupied
10.5%
Vacant
26.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.7%
With health insurance
88.1%
With broadband internet
14.4%
Foreign-born
7.9%
Veterans (18+)
13.0%
With a disability
89.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.6%
High School+
22.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hamilton County, Iowa has a population of 14,893 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 51st-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 26 people per square mile.
The population of Hamilton County has declined 5.0% since 2010 (15,634 → 14,856), a -0.36% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hamilton County, Iowa is $71,750, with mean (average) household income of $88,499 and per-capita income of $38,075. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hamilton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.4%), Black or African American (1.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Hamilton County, Iowa is 42.2 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in Hamilton County is $132,300 and median monthly rent is $853. 73.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,056 total housing units, 10.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hamilton County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Hamilton 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.