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
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
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.
Monroe County, IA Climate
Monroe County, IA has an average annual temperature of 10.2°C (50°F) and receives about 956 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.2°C
Avg Temp
956
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 34 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 36 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 67 mm |
| April | 11° / 51° | 90 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 112 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 112 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 119 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 98 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 108 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 72 mm |
| November | 4° / 39° | 65 mm |
| December | -3° / 26° | 43 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 Monroe County, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Monroe 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 Monroe County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.