Mills County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 54th-largest in Iowa
The population of Mills County, Iowa is 14,563 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 54th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $87,810, the median home value is $228,700, and the median age is 42.6.
The population of Mills County has declined 2.4% since 2010 (15,076 → 14,717), a -0.17% annualized rate.
14,563
Population
-0.17%
Annual growth
33
People / sq mi
$87,810
Median Income
$228,700
Median Home Value
Mills County covers 437 sq mi of land at 33.3 people per square mile.
About Mills County, IA
The poverty rate is what most separates Mills County from the typical county: 2.4% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Mills County is a county in Iowa with a population of 14,563.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $87,810, putting Mills County near the top of US counties. Very few residents live in poverty — 2.4%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $228,700, with typical rent around $888.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 32.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 9.5% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
Mills County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Mills County had a population of 15,076 in 2010 and 14,717 in 2024, a -2.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 15,124 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: -0.16%.
14,717
Population (2024)
15,076
Population (2010)
15,124
Peak (2019)
-0.16%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,076 |
| 2011 | 15,031 |
| 2012 | 14,874 |
| 2013 | 14,907 |
| 2014 | 14,763 |
| 2015 | 14,885 |
| 2016 | 15,041 |
| 2017 | 15,060 |
| 2018 | 15,122 |
| 2019 | 15,124 |
| 2020 | 14,418 |
| 2021 | 14,491 |
| 2022 | 14,572 |
| 2023 | 14,642 |
| 2024 | 14,717 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.6
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
19.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.9% · Seniors (65+): 19.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $87,810+$14,663 vs state |
| Mean household income | $109,588 |
| Per-capita income | $43,081 |
| Poverty rate | 2.4%-4.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Mills County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
5.0%
Carpool
76.9%
Public transit
9.5%
Work from home
24.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$228,700+$32,800 vs state
Median home value
$888
Median rent
84.2%
Homeownership rate
6,119
Total housing units
87.4%
Occupied
12.6%
Vacant
15.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.4%
With health insurance
95.3%
With broadband internet
52.6%
Foreign-born
9.7%
Veterans (18+)
13.6%
With a disability
98.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.6%
High School+
32.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Mills County, Iowa has a population of 14,563 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 54th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 33 people per square mile.
The population of Mills County has declined 2.4% since 2010 (15,076 → 14,717), a -0.17% annualized rate.
The median household income in Mills County, Iowa is $87,810, with mean (average) household income of $109,588 and per-capita income of $43,081. 2.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Mills County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Mills County, Iowa is 42.6 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Mills County is $228,700 and median monthly rent is $888. 84.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,119 total housing units, 12.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Mills County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.7%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Mills County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
Mills County, IA Climate
Mills County, IA has an average annual temperature of 10.3°C (51°F) and receives about 833 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.3°C
Avg Temp
833
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 22° | 18 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 21 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 53 mm |
| April | 11° / 51° | 79 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 112 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 115 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 104 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 101 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 99 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 64 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 39 mm |
| December | -3° / 26° | 28 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 Mills County, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Mills 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). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Mills County
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Top-rated places to stay near Mills County
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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.