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
Hardin County is a county in Iowa with a population of 16,729. It ranks #44 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 45.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The median household income in Hardin County is $64,906, below the US median of $74,580. 4.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $113,000, with monthly rent averaging $814. The homeownership rate of 73.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Hardin County reflects 21.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.4 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.