Hancock County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 67th-largest in Iowa
The population of Hancock County, Iowa is 10,718 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 67th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $70,212, the median home value is $129,300, and the median age is 44.6.
The population of Hancock County has declined 6.1% since 2010 (11,300 → 10,616), a -0.45% annualized rate.
10,718
Population
-0.45%
Annual growth
19
People / sq mi
$70,212
Median Income
$129,300
Median Home Value
Hancock County covers 571 sq mi of land at 18.8 people per square mile.
About Hancock County, IA
Homeownership is the standout figure in Hancock County: 82.0% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 10,718 residents, Hancock County is a county in Iowa.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $70,212 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.0%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $129,300, with typical rent around $784.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 21.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.6%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Hancock County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Hancock County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hancock County had a population of 11,300 in 2010 and 10,616 in 2024, a -6.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 11,300 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.44%.
10,616
Population (2024)
11,300
Population (2010)
11,300
Peak (2010)
-0.44%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 11,300 |
| 2011 | 11,296 |
| 2012 | 11,180 |
| 2013 | 11,134 |
| 2014 | 11,043 |
| 2015 | 11,029 |
| 2016 | 10,887 |
| 2017 | 10,762 |
| 2018 | 10,726 |
| 2019 | 10,664 |
| 2020 | 10,758 |
| 2021 | 10,687 |
| 2022 | 10,664 |
| 2023 | 10,631 |
| 2024 | 10,616 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.6
Median Age
48.8%
Female
51.2%
Male
23.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.3% · Seniors (65+): 23.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $70,212$-2,935 vs state |
| Mean household income | $86,063 |
| Per-capita income | $36,756 |
| Poverty rate | 8.0%+1.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hancock County is manufacturing, accounting for 21.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
79.4%
Public transit
8.6%
Work from home
20.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$129,300$-66,600 vs state
Median home value
$784
Median rent
82.0%
Homeownership rate
5,120
Total housing units
90.1%
Occupied
9.9%
Vacant
18.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.3%
With health insurance
91.9%
With broadband internet
18.8%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
13.6%
With a disability
96.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.6%
High School+
21.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hancock County, Iowa has a population of 10,718 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 67th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 19 people per square mile.
The population of Hancock County has declined 6.1% since 2010 (11,300 → 10,616), a -0.45% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hancock County, Iowa is $70,212, with mean (average) household income of $86,063 and per-capita income of $36,756. 8.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hancock County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.7%), Black or African American (0.9%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Hancock County, Iowa is 44.6 years. Residents are 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
The median home value in Hancock County is $129,300 and median monthly rent is $784. 82.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,120 total housing units, 9.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hancock County, Iowa is manufacturing, employing 21.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.4%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Hancock County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
Hancock County, IA Climate
Hancock County, IA has an average annual temperature of 7.6°C (46°F) and receives about 797 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.6°C
Avg Temp
797
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -10° / 13° | 20 mm |
| February | -7° / 20° | 20 mm |
| March | 0° / 32° | 47 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 78 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 94 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 116 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 110 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 98 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 89 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 57 mm |
| November | 1° / 34° | 39 mm |
| December | -7° / 20° | 29 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Hancock County, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Hancock County, IA are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -15°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Hancock County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.