Jones County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 29th-largest in Iowa
The population of Jones County, Iowa is 20,799 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 29th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $73,071, the median home value is $183,400, and the median age is 43.0.
The population of Jones County has grown 2.1% since 2010 (20,687 → 21,116), a +0.15% annualized rate.
20,799
Population
+0.15%
Annual growth
36
People / sq mi
$73,071
Median Income
$183,400
Median Home Value
Jones County covers 576 sq mi of land at 36.1 people per square mile.
About Jones County, IA
Homeownership is the standout figure in Jones County: 80.7% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Jones County is a county in Iowa with a population of 20,799. It ranks #29 among counties in Iowa by population.
Households take in a median $73,071, comfortably below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.2%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $183,400, with typical rent around $759.
20.7% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. A solid 11.3% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Jones County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Jones County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Jones County had a population of 20,687 in 2010 and 21,116 in 2024, a 2.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,116 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.15%.
21,116
Population (2024)
20,687
Population (2010)
21,116
Peak (2024)
0.15%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,687 |
| 2011 | 20,743 |
| 2012 | 20,602 |
| 2013 | 20,522 |
| 2014 | 20,553 |
| 2015 | 20,435 |
| 2016 | 20,385 |
| 2017 | 20,610 |
| 2018 | 20,627 |
| 2019 | 20,634 |
| 2020 | 20,654 |
| 2021 | 20,832 |
| 2022 | 20,960 |
| 2023 | 20,917 |
| 2024 | 21,116 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.4% |
| Black or African American | 2.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.0
Median Age
47.4%
Female
52.6%
Male
21.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.7% · Seniors (65+): 21.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $73,071$-76 vs state |
| Mean household income | $86,601 |
| Per-capita income | $35,376 |
| Poverty rate | 8.2%+1.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Jones County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
77.2%
Public transit
11.3%
Work from home
25.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$183,400$-12,500 vs state
Median home value
$759
Median rent
80.7%
Homeownership rate
8,882
Total housing units
91.3%
Occupied
8.7%
Vacant
19.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.3%
With health insurance
89.6%
With broadband internet
17.2%
Foreign-born
8.0%
Veterans (18+)
13.7%
With a disability
97.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.4%
High School+
20.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Jones County, Iowa has a population of 20,799 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 29th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 36 people per square mile.
The population of Jones County has grown 2.1% since 2010 (20,687 → 21,116), a +0.15% annualized rate.
The median household income in Jones County, Iowa is $73,071, with mean (average) household income of $86,601 and per-capita income of $35,376. 8.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Jones County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.4%), Black or African American (2.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Jones County, Iowa is 43.0 years. Residents are 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
The median home value in Jones County is $183,400 and median monthly rent is $759. 80.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,882 total housing units, 8.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Jones County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.7%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Jones County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
Jones County, IA Climate
Jones County, IA has an average annual temperature of 8.6°C (47°F) and receives about 896 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.6°C
Avg Temp
896
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -8° / 17° | 28 mm |
| February | -5° / 24° | 29 mm |
| March | 2° / 35° | 60 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 83 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 99 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 116 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 101 mm |
| August | 21° / 71° | 110 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 104 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 64 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 59 mm |
| December | -5° / 23° | 43 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Jones County, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Jones County, IA are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -13°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Jones County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.