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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 14.4% of the population. With 14,893 residents, Hamilton County is a county in Iowa.
The typical household earns $71,750 a year, below the US median of $78,538. About 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $132,300, with typical rent around $853.
22.0% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 6.4% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 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.