Lee County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 22nd-largest in Iowa
The population of Lee County, Iowa is 33,175 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 22nd-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $59,803, the median home value is $123,600, and the median age is 43.7.
The population of Lee County has declined 9.7% since 2010 (35,850 → 32,376), a -0.73% annualized rate.
33,175
Population
-0.73%
Annual growth
64
People / sq mi
$59,803
Median Income
$123,600
Median Home Value
Lee County covers 518 sq mi of land at 64.1 people per square mile.
About Lee County, IA
Lee County is a county in Iowa with a population of 33,175. It ranks #22 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 43.7, older than the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Lee County is $59,803, below the US median of $74,580. 8.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $123,600, with monthly rent averaging $814. The homeownership rate of 75.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Lee County reflects 21.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.6 minutes each way.
Lee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lee County had a population of 35,850 in 2010 and 32,376 in 2024, a -9.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 35,850 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.72%.
32,376
Population (2024)
35,850
Population (2010)
35,850
Peak (2010)
-0.72%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 35,850 |
| 2011 | 35,575 |
| 2012 | 35,549 |
| 2013 | 35,250 |
| 2014 | 35,077 |
| 2015 | 34,916 |
| 2016 | 34,441 |
| 2017 | 34,239 |
| 2018 | 33,929 |
| 2019 | 33,641 |
| 2020 | 33,529 |
| 2021 | 33,260 |
| 2022 | 32,793 |
| 2023 | 32,509 |
| 2024 | 32,376 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.6% |
| Black or African American | 2.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.7
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
21.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.8% · Seniors (65+): 21.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,803$-13,344 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,428 |
| Per-capita income | $32,537 |
| Poverty rate | 8.4%+1.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lee County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
81.8%
Public transit
5.6%
Work from home
19.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$123,600$-72,300 vs state
Median home value
$814
Median rent
75.5%
Homeownership rate
15,808
Total housing units
90.5%
Occupied
9.5%
Vacant
24.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.3%
With health insurance
92.3%
With broadband internet
26.4%
Foreign-born
8.9%
Veterans (18+)
16.7%
With a disability
98.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.2%
High School+
21.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lee County, Iowa has a population of 33,175 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 22nd-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 64 people per square mile.
The population of Lee County has declined 9.7% since 2010 (35,850 → 32,376), a -0.73% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lee County, Iowa is $59,803, with mean (average) household income of $74,428 and per-capita income of $32,537. 8.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.6%), Black or African American (2.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lee County, Iowa is 43.7 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Lee County is $123,600 and median monthly rent is $814. 75.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,808 total housing units, 9.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lee County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Lee 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.