Monroe County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 87th-largest in Iowa
The population of Monroe County, Iowa is 7,546 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 87th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $72,518, the median home value is $135,900, and the median age is 42.1.
The population of Monroe County has declined 7.8% since 2010 (7,993 → 7,373), a -0.58% annualized rate.
7,546
Population
-0.58%
Annual growth
17
People / sq mi
$72,518
Median Income
$135,900
Median Home Value
Monroe County covers 434 sq mi of land at 17.4 people per square mile.
About Monroe County, IA
Homeownership is the standout figure in Monroe County: 83.8% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Monroe County is a county in Iowa with a population of 7,546.
The typical household earns $72,518 a year, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 4.2%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $135,900, with typical rent around $787.
Roughly 20.0% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 7.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Monroe County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Monroe County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Monroe County had a population of 7,993 in 2010 and 7,373 in 2024, a -7.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 8,070 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.57%.
7,373
Population (2024)
7,993
Population (2010)
8,070
Peak (2012)
-0.57%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 7,993 |
| 2011 | 8,057 |
| 2012 | 8,070 |
| 2013 | 7,974 |
| 2014 | 7,952 |
| 2015 | 7,919 |
| 2016 | 7,835 |
| 2017 | 7,782 |
| 2018 | 7,738 |
| 2019 | 7,681 |
| 2020 | 7,596 |
| 2021 | 7,586 |
| 2022 | 7,524 |
| 2023 | 7,486 |
| 2024 | 7,373 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.1
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
19.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.8% · Seniors (65+): 19.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $72,518$-629 vs state |
| Mean household income | $82,429 |
| Per-capita income | $35,430 |
| Poverty rate | 4.2%-2.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Monroe County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
83.7%
Public transit
7.5%
Work from home
27.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$135,900$-60,000 vs state
Median home value
$787
Median rent
83.8%
Homeownership rate
3,648
Total housing units
82.0%
Occupied
18.0%
Vacant
16.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.5%
With health insurance
94.3%
With broadband internet
14.3%
Foreign-born
5.1%
Veterans (18+)
15.5%
With a disability
97.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.6%
High School+
20.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
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Part of Iowa
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Monroe County, Iowa has a population of 7,546 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 87th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 17 people per square mile.
The population of Monroe County has declined 7.8% since 2010 (7,993 → 7,373), a -0.58% annualized rate.
The median household income in Monroe County, Iowa is $72,518, with mean (average) household income of $82,429 and per-capita income of $35,430. 4.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Monroe County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.3%), Hispanic or Latino (2.2%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Monroe County, Iowa is 42.1 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Monroe County is $135,900 and median monthly rent is $787. 83.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,648 total housing units, 18.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Monroe County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.8%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Monroe 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.