Jackson County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 35th-largest in Iowa
The population of Jackson County, Iowa is 19,429 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 35th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $71,605, the median home value is $170,000, and the median age is 44.2.
The population of Jackson County has declined 2.2% since 2010 (19,831 → 19,390), a -0.16% annualized rate.
19,429
Population
-0.16%
Annual growth
31
People / sq mi
$71,605
Median Income
$170,000
Median Home Value
Jackson County covers 636 sq mi of land at 30.5 people per square mile.
About Jackson County, IA
The poverty rate is what most separates Jackson County from the typical county: 6.4% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 19,429 residents, Jackson County is a county in Iowa. It ranks #35 among counties in Iowa by population.
Households take in a median $71,605, comfortably below the US median of $78,538. Only 6.4% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $170,000, with typical rent around $800.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 18.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 9.6% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
Jackson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Jackson County had a population of 19,831 in 2010 and 19,390 in 2024, a -2.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,831 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.16%.
19,390
Population (2024)
19,831
Population (2010)
19,831
Peak (2010)
-0.16%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,831 |
| 2011 | 19,734 |
| 2012 | 19,684 |
| 2013 | 19,516 |
| 2014 | 19,430 |
| 2015 | 19,363 |
| 2016 | 19,406 |
| 2017 | 19,377 |
| 2018 | 19,375 |
| 2019 | 19,375 |
| 2020 | 19,453 |
| 2021 | 19,402 |
| 2022 | 19,350 |
| 2023 | 19,353 |
| 2024 | 19,390 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.2
Median Age
49.5%
Female
50.5%
Male
21.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.5% · Seniors (65+): 21.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,605$-1,542 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,865 |
| Per-capita income | $38,325 |
| Poverty rate | 6.4%-0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Jackson County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.2%
Carpool
81.7%
Public transit
9.6%
Work from home
25.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$170,000$-25,900 vs state
Median home value
$800
Median rent
78.6%
Homeownership rate
9,272
Total housing units
89.5%
Occupied
10.5%
Vacant
21.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.6%
With health insurance
88.6%
With broadband internet
18.5%
Foreign-born
7.6%
Veterans (18+)
12.3%
With a disability
97.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.8%
High School+
18.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Jackson County, Iowa has a population of 19,429 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 35th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 31 people per square mile.
The population of Jackson County has declined 2.2% since 2010 (19,831 → 19,390), a -0.16% annualized rate.
The median household income in Jackson County, Iowa is $71,605, with mean (average) household income of $89,865 and per-capita income of $38,325. 6.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Jackson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.9%), Black or African American (0.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Jackson County, Iowa is 44.2 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
The median home value in Jackson County is $170,000 and median monthly rent is $800. 78.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,272 total housing units, 10.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Jackson County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Jackson 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.