Madison County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 43rd-largest in Iowa
The population of Madison County, Iowa is 16,760 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 43rd-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $89,542, the median home value is $236,900, and the median age is 41.0.
The population of Madison County has grown 9.0% since 2010 (15,738 → 17,161), a +0.62% annualized rate.
16,760
Population
+0.62%
Annual growth
30
People / sq mi
$89,542
Median Income
$236,900
Median Home Value
Madison County covers 561 sq mi of land at 29.9 people per square mile.
About Madison County, IA
Madison County is a county in Iowa with a population of 16,760. It ranks #43 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 41.0, older than the national median. The population is 51.0% male and 49.0% female.
The median household income in Madison County is $89,542, above the US median of $74,580. 3.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $236,900, with monthly rent averaging $938. The homeownership rate of 81.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Madison County reflects 25.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 14.8% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 27.0 minutes each way.
Madison County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Madison County had a population of 15,738 in 2010 and 17,161 in 2024, a 9.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,161 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.62%.
17,161
Population (2024)
15,738
Population (2010)
17,161
Peak (2024)
0.62%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,738 |
| 2011 | 15,738 |
| 2012 | 15,639 |
| 2013 | 15,482 |
| 2014 | 15,620 |
| 2015 | 15,727 |
| 2016 | 15,800 |
| 2017 | 16,005 |
| 2018 | 16,140 |
| 2019 | 16,273 |
| 2020 | 16,628 |
| 2021 | 16,792 |
| 2022 | 17,050 |
| 2023 | 16,999 |
| 2024 | 17,161 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.7% |
| Black or African American | 1.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.0
Median Age
49.0%
Female
51.0%
Male
18.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.1% · Seniors (65+): 18.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $89,542+$16,395 vs state |
| Mean household income | $103,385 |
| Per-capita income | $41,878 |
| Poverty rate | 3.2%-3.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 67.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Madison County is professional & business services, accounting for 16.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
3.3%
Carpool
75.7%
Public transit
14.8%
Work from home
27.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$236,900+$41,000 vs state
Median home value
$938
Median rent
81.3%
Homeownership rate
7,031
Total housing units
94.2%
Occupied
5.8%
Vacant
18.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.1%
With health insurance
93.0%
With broadband internet
21.1%
Foreign-born
7.5%
Veterans (18+)
9.4%
With a disability
95.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.3%
High School+
25.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Madison County, Iowa has a population of 16,760 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 43rd-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 30 people per square mile.
The population of Madison County has grown 9.0% since 2010 (15,738 → 17,161), a +0.62% annualized rate.
The median household income in Madison County, Iowa is $89,542, with mean (average) household income of $103,385 and per-capita income of $41,878. 3.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Madison County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.7%), Black or African American (1.3%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Madison County, Iowa is 41.0 years. Residents are 49.0% female and 51.0% male.
The median home value in Madison County is $236,900 and median monthly rent is $938. 81.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,031 total housing units, 5.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Madison County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 16.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Madison 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.