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
Housing cost is the defining feature of Lee County: the median home is valued at $123,600. Lee County is a county in Iowa with a population of 33,175. It ranks #22 among counties in Iowa by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $59,803 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.4%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $123,600, with typical rent around $814.
21.0% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.6% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 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.