Iowa County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 45th-largest in Iowa
The population of Iowa County, Iowa is 16,547 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 45th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $72,185, the median home value is $189,800, and the median age is 42.2.
The population of Iowa County has grown 0.5% since 2010 (16,335 → 16,423), a +0.04% annualized rate.
16,547
Population
+0.04%
Annual growth
28
People / sq mi
$72,185
Median Income
$189,800
Median Home Value
Iowa County covers 586 sq mi of land at 28.2 people per square mile.
About Iowa County, IA
Iowa County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 15.4% of the population. Iowa County is a county in Iowa with a population of 16,547. It ranks #45 among counties in Iowa by population.
Households take in a median $72,185, comfortably below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.0%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $189,800, with typical rent around $722.
24.2% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 8.2% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Iowa County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Iowa County had a population of 16,335 in 2010 and 16,423 in 2024, a 0.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,653 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.04%.
16,423
Population (2024)
16,335
Population (2010)
16,653
Peak (2020)
0.04%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,335 |
| 2011 | 16,324 |
| 2012 | 16,183 |
| 2013 | 16,286 |
| 2014 | 16,325 |
| 2015 | 16,293 |
| 2016 | 16,202 |
| 2017 | 16,139 |
| 2018 | 16,150 |
| 2019 | 16,146 |
| 2020 | 16,653 |
| 2021 | 16,583 |
| 2022 | 16,491 |
| 2023 | 16,386 |
| 2024 | 16,423 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.2
Median Age
48.9%
Female
51.1%
Male
19.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 19.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $72,185$-962 vs state |
| Mean household income | $94,049 |
| Per-capita income | $39,363 |
| Poverty rate | 6.0%-0.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Iowa County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
3.1%
Carpool
79.7%
Public transit
8.2%
Work from home
21.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$189,800$-6,100 vs state
Median home value
$722
Median rent
76.1%
Homeownership rate
7,355
Total housing units
93.1%
Occupied
6.9%
Vacant
23.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.6%
With health insurance
94.7%
With broadband internet
15.4%
Foreign-born
7.8%
Veterans (18+)
13.7%
With a disability
97.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.7%
High School+
24.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Iowa County, Iowa has a population of 16,547 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 45th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 28 people per square mile.
The population of Iowa County has grown 0.5% since 2010 (16,335 → 16,423), a +0.04% annualized rate.
The median household income in Iowa County, Iowa is $72,185, with mean (average) household income of $94,049 and per-capita income of $39,363. 6.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Iowa County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.9%), Black or African American (0.6%), Hispanic or Latino (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Iowa County, Iowa is 42.2 years. Residents are 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
The median home value in Iowa County is $189,800 and median monthly rent is $722. 76.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,355 total housing units, 6.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Iowa County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.6%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Iowa County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
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Full rankings of Iowa counties
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.