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
The poverty rate is what most separates Madison County from the typical county: 3.2% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Madison County is a county in Iowa with a population of 16,760. It ranks #43 among counties in Iowa by population.
Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $89,542, above the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 3.2%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $236,900, with typical rent around $938.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 25.5% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 14.8% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 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.