Linn County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 2nd-largest in Iowa
The population of Linn County, Iowa is 229,463 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $76,421, the median home value is $204,400, and the median age is 38.5.
The population of Linn County has grown 9.5% since 2010 (211,713 → 231,762), a +0.65% annualized rate.
229,463
Population
+0.65%
Annual growth
320
People / sq mi
$76,421
Median Income
$204,400
Median Home Value
Linn County covers 717 sq mi of land at 320.0 people per square mile.
About Linn County, IA
What sets Linn County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually prominent here, at 13.7% versus 14.0% nationally. Linn County is a county in Iowa with a population of 229,463. It is the #2-largest of all counties in Iowa nationally.
Median household income is $76,421, near 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 $204,400, with typical rent around $915.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 34.8% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 13.7%, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
The remote-work concentration is telling in Linn County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.
Linn County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Linn County had a population of 211,713 in 2010 and 231,762 in 2024, a 9.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 231,762 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.65%.
231,762
Population (2024)
211,713
Population (2010)
231,762
Peak (2024)
0.65%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 211,713 |
| 2011 | 214,242 |
| 2012 | 215,542 |
| 2013 | 216,567 |
| 2014 | 218,223 |
| 2015 | 220,392 |
| 2016 | 222,299 |
| 2017 | 224,553 |
| 2018 | 226,060 |
| 2019 | 227,241 |
| 2020 | 230,433 |
| 2021 | 229,474 |
| 2022 | 228,947 |
| 2023 | 229,402 |
| 2024 | 231,762 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.6% |
| Black or African American | 5.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.5
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
16.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.6% · Seniors (65+): 16.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $76,421+$3,274 vs state |
| Mean household income | $101,721 |
| Per-capita income | $42,497 |
| Poverty rate | 6.4%-0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Linn County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
76.4%
Public transit
13.7%
Work from home
19.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$204,400+$8,500 vs state
Median home value
$915
Median rent
73.3%
Homeownership rate
101,989
Total housing units
93.2%
Occupied
6.8%
Vacant
26.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.2%
With health insurance
95.9%
With broadband internet
22.4%
Foreign-born
7.5%
Veterans (18+)
11.3%
With a disability
93.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.3%
High School+
34.8%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Iowa
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Linn County, Iowa has a population of 229,463 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 320 people per square mile.
The population of Linn County has grown 9.5% since 2010 (211,713 → 231,762), a +0.65% annualized rate.
The median household income in Linn County, Iowa is $76,421, with mean (average) household income of $101,721 and per-capita income of $42,497. 6.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Linn County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.6%), Black or African American (5.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Linn County, Iowa is 38.5 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Linn County is $204,400 and median monthly rent is $915. 73.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 101,989 total housing units, 6.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Linn County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Linn 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.