Jefferson County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 48th-largest in Iowa
The population of Jefferson County, Iowa is 15,676 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 48th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $56,824, the median home value is $161,200, and the median age is 43.5.
The population of Jefferson County has declined 6.3% since 2010 (16,835 → 15,781), a -0.46% annualized rate.
15,676
Population
-0.46%
Annual growth
36
People / sq mi
$56,824
Median Income
$161,200
Median Home Value
Jefferson County covers 436 sq mi of land at 36.0 people per square mile.
About Jefferson County, IA
What sets Jefferson County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually prominent here, at 18.2% versus 14.0% nationally. With 15,676 residents, Jefferson County is a county in Iowa. It ranks #48 among counties in Iowa by population.
The typical household here earns about $56,824, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.5%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $161,200, with typical rent around $881.
Jefferson County is among the best-educated US counties: 41.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 18.2% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
The remote-work concentration is telling in Jefferson County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.
Jefferson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Jefferson County had a population of 16,835 in 2010 and 15,781 in 2024, a -6.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,180 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: -0.38%.
15,781
Population (2024)
16,835
Population (2010)
18,180
Peak (2019)
-0.38%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,835 |
| 2011 | 17,099 |
| 2012 | 17,281 |
| 2013 | 17,632 |
| 2014 | 17,795 |
| 2015 | 17,913 |
| 2016 | 18,027 |
| 2017 | 18,108 |
| 2018 | 18,102 |
| 2019 | 18,180 |
| 2020 | 15,699 |
| 2021 | 15,786 |
| 2022 | 15,632 |
| 2023 | 15,626 |
| 2024 | 15,781 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.6% |
| Black or African American | 5.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.5
Median Age
48.5%
Female
51.5%
Male
25.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.1% · Seniors (65+): 25.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,824$-16,323 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,591 |
| Per-capita income | $35,800 |
| Poverty rate | 7.5%+0.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Jefferson County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
3.6%
Carpool
67.8%
Public transit
18.2%
Work from home
15.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$161,200$-34,700 vs state
Median home value
$881
Median rent
65.1%
Homeownership rate
7,707
Total housing units
89.2%
Occupied
10.8%
Vacant
34.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.8%
With health insurance
96.5%
With broadband internet
30.7%
Foreign-born
8.0%
Veterans (18+)
13.7%
With a disability
87.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.4%
High School+
41.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Jefferson County, Iowa has a population of 15,676 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 48th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 36 people per square mile.
The population of Jefferson County has declined 6.3% since 2010 (16,835 → 15,781), a -0.46% annualized rate.
The median household income in Jefferson County, Iowa is $56,824, with mean (average) household income of $78,591 and per-capita income of $35,800. 7.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Jefferson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.6%), Black or African American (5.9%), Hispanic or Latino (2.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Jefferson County, Iowa is 43.5 years. Residents are 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
The median home value in Jefferson County is $161,200 and median monthly rent is $881. 65.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,707 total housing units, 10.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Jefferson County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Jefferson 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.