Iron County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 88th-largest in Missouri
The population of Iron County, Missouri is 9,482 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 88th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $51,161, the median home value is $113,000, and the median age is 45.3.
The population of Iron County has declined 11.1% since 2010 (10,591 → 9,420), a -0.83% annualized rate.
9,482
Population
-0.83%
Annual growth
17
People / sq mi
$51,161
Median Income
$113,000
Median Home Value
Iron County covers 550 sq mi of land at 17.2 people per square mile.
About Iron County, MO
The poverty rate is what most separates Iron County from the typical county: 15.4% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 9,482 residents, Iron County is a county in Missouri.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $51,161, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 15.4% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $113,000, with typical rent around $671.
Roughly 18.3% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.6% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Iron County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Iron County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Iron County had a population of 10,591 in 2010 and 9,420 in 2024, a -11.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 10,618 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.82%.
9,420
Population (2024)
10,591
Population (2010)
10,618
Peak (2011)
-0.82%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,591 |
| 2011 | 10,618 |
| 2012 | 10,544 |
| 2013 | 10,459 |
| 2014 | 10,359 |
| 2015 | 10,200 |
| 2016 | 10,127 |
| 2017 | 10,178 |
| 2018 | 10,193 |
| 2019 | 10,152 |
| 2020 | 9,513 |
| 2021 | 9,431 |
| 2022 | 9,411 |
| 2023 | 9,454 |
| 2024 | 9,420 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.3
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
22.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.9% · Seniors (65+): 22.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $51,161$-17,759 vs state |
| Mean household income | $64,673 |
| Per-capita income | $26,755 |
| Poverty rate | 15.4%+7.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 48.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Iron County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
81.7%
Public transit
5.6%
Work from home
26.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$113,000$-102,600 vs state
Median home value
$671
Median rent
76.3%
Homeownership rate
4,704
Total housing units
80.8%
Occupied
19.2%
Vacant
23.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.0%
With health insurance
89.1%
With broadband internet
19.1%
Foreign-born
8.1%
Veterans (18+)
22.0%
With a disability
98.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.9%
High School+
18.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Iron County, Missouri has a population of 9,482 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 88th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 17 people per square mile.
The population of Iron County has declined 11.1% since 2010 (10,591 → 9,420), a -0.83% annualized rate.
The median household income in Iron County, Missouri is $51,161, with mean (average) household income of $64,673 and per-capita income of $26,755. 15.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Iron County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.9%), Black or African American (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Iron County, Missouri is 45.3 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Iron County is $113,000 and median monthly rent is $671. 76.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,704 total housing units, 19.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Iron County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.6%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Iron County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
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Statewide data for Missouri
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Missouri
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.