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 a county in Iowa with a population of 16,547. It ranks #45 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 42.2, older than the national median. The population is 51.1% male and 48.9% female.
The median household income in Iowa County is $72,185, near the US median of $74,580. 6.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $189,800, with monthly rent averaging $722. The homeownership rate of 76.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Iowa County reflects 24.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.7 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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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.