Hardin County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 44th-largest in Iowa
The population of Hardin County, Iowa is 16,729 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 44th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $64,906, the median home value is $113,000, and the median age is 45.2.
The population of Hardin County has declined 6.2% since 2010 (17,543 → 16,464), a -0.45% annualized rate.
16,729
Population
-0.45%
Annual growth
29
People / sq mi
$64,906
Median Income
$113,000
Median Home Value
Hardin County covers 569 sq mi of land at 29.4 people per square mile.
About Hardin County, IA
The poverty rate is what most separates Hardin County from the typical county: 4.9% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Hardin County is a county in Iowa with a population of 16,729. It ranks #44 among counties in Iowa by population.
The typical household here earns about $64,906, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 4.9%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $113,000, with typical rent around $814.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 21.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.4%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Hardin County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hardin County had a population of 17,543 in 2010 and 16,464 in 2024, a -6.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,543 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.45%.
16,464
Population (2024)
17,543
Population (2010)
17,543
Peak (2010)
-0.45%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,543 |
| 2011 | 17,376 |
| 2012 | 17,360 |
| 2013 | 17,390 |
| 2014 | 17,338 |
| 2015 | 17,257 |
| 2016 | 17,193 |
| 2017 | 17,076 |
| 2018 | 16,965 |
| 2019 | 16,809 |
| 2020 | 16,826 |
| 2021 | 16,705 |
| 2022 | 16,677 |
| 2023 | 16,523 |
| 2024 | 16,464 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.1% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.2
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
23.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.4% · Seniors (65+): 23.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,906$-8,241 vs state |
| Mean household income | $76,468 |
| Per-capita income | $33,765 |
| Poverty rate | 4.9%-2.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hardin County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
5.0%
Carpool
79.0%
Public transit
8.4%
Work from home
21.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$113,000$-82,900 vs state
Median home value
$814
Median rent
73.3%
Homeownership rate
8,028
Total housing units
87.3%
Occupied
12.7%
Vacant
26.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.1%
With health insurance
87.7%
With broadband internet
17.3%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
14.1%
With a disability
95.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.7%
High School+
21.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hardin County, Iowa has a population of 16,729 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 44th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 29 people per square mile.
The population of Hardin County has declined 6.2% since 2010 (17,543 → 16,464), a -0.45% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hardin County, Iowa is $64,906, with mean (average) household income of $76,468 and per-capita income of $33,765. 4.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hardin County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.1%), Hispanic or Latino (2.6%), Black or African American (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Hardin County, Iowa is 45.2 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Hardin County is $113,000 and median monthly rent is $814. 73.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,028 total housing units, 12.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hardin County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Hardin 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.