Mahaska County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 28th-largest in Iowa
The population of Mahaska County, Iowa is 22,045 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 28th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $69,019, the median home value is $140,900, and the median age is 39.1.
The population of Mahaska County has declined 1.7% since 2010 (22,409 → 22,034), a -0.12% annualized rate.
22,045
Population
-0.12%
Annual growth
39
People / sq mi
$69,019
Median Income
$140,900
Median Home Value
Mahaska County covers 571 sq mi of land at 38.6 people per square mile.
About Mahaska County, IA
Homeownership is the standout figure in Mahaska County: 67.8% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Mahaska County is a county in Iowa with a population of 22,045. It ranks #28 among counties in Iowa by population.
The typical household here earns about $69,019, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.9%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $140,900, with typical rent around $821.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 23.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 6.3% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Mahaska County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Mahaska County had a population of 22,409 in 2010 and 22,034 in 2024, a -1.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,506 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.12%.
22,034
Population (2024)
22,409
Population (2010)
22,506
Peak (2011)
-0.12%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 22,409 |
| 2011 | 22,506 |
| 2012 | 22,407 |
| 2013 | 22,432 |
| 2014 | 22,466 |
| 2015 | 22,417 |
| 2016 | 22,325 |
| 2017 | 22,422 |
| 2018 | 22,203 |
| 2019 | 22,429 |
| 2020 | 22,162 |
| 2021 | 21,982 |
| 2022 | 21,959 |
| 2023 | 21,967 |
| 2024 | 22,034 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.2% |
| Black or African American | 1.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.1
Median Age
48.9%
Female
51.1%
Male
19.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.9% · Seniors (65+): 19.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $69,019$-4,128 vs state |
| Mean household income | $84,768 |
| Per-capita income | $35,035 |
| Poverty rate | 6.9% |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Mahaska County is manufacturing, accounting for 25.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
3.7%
Carpool
80.2%
Public transit
6.3%
Work from home
17.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$140,900$-55,000 vs state
Median home value
$821
Median rent
67.8%
Homeownership rate
9,708
Total housing units
91.6%
Occupied
8.4%
Vacant
32.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.3%
With health insurance
93.7%
With broadband internet
17.8%
Foreign-born
5.9%
Veterans (18+)
13.5%
With a disability
97.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.0%
High School+
23.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Mahaska County, Iowa has a population of 22,045 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 28th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 39 people per square mile.
The population of Mahaska County has declined 1.7% since 2010 (22,409 → 22,034), a -0.12% annualized rate.
The median household income in Mahaska County, Iowa is $69,019, with mean (average) household income of $84,768 and per-capita income of $35,035. 6.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Mahaska County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.2%), Black or African American (1.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Mahaska County, Iowa is 39.1 years. Residents are 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
The median home value in Mahaska County is $140,900 and median monthly rent is $821. 67.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,708 total housing units, 8.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Mahaska County, Iowa is manufacturing, employing 25.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Mahaska County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
Mahaska County, IA Climate
Mahaska County, IA has an average annual temperature of 10.1°C (50°F) and receives about 908 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.1°C
Avg Temp
908
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 28 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 26 mm |
| March | 4° / 38° | 57 mm |
| April | 10° / 51° | 94 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 106 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 108 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 111 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 100 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 110 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 70 mm |
| November | 4° / 38° | 61 mm |
| December | -3° / 26° | 37 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Mahaska County, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Mahaska County, IA are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Mahaska County
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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.