Muscatine County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 14th-largest in Iowa
The population of Muscatine County, Iowa is 42,735 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 14th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $69,512, the median home value is $172,400, and the median age is 39.1.
The population of Muscatine County has declined 1.6% since 2010 (42,804 → 42,132), a -0.11% annualized rate.
42,735
Population
-0.11%
Annual growth
98
People / sq mi
$69,512
Median Income
$172,400
Median Home Value
Muscatine County covers 437 sq mi of land at 97.7 people per square mile.
About Muscatine County, IA
Muscatine County is a county in Iowa with a population of 42,735. It ranks #14 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 39.1, in line with the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The median household income in Muscatine County is $69,512, below the US median of $74,580. 9.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $172,400, with monthly rent averaging $966. The homeownership rate of 74.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Muscatine County reflects 22.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.4 minutes each way.
Muscatine County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Muscatine County had a population of 42,804 in 2010 and 42,132 in 2024, a -1.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 43,155 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: -0.11%.
42,132
Population (2024)
42,804
Population (2010)
43,155
Peak (2020)
-0.11%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 42,804 |
| 2011 | 42,847 |
| 2012 | 42,922 |
| 2013 | 43,018 |
| 2014 | 43,032 |
| 2015 | 43,069 |
| 2016 | 42,942 |
| 2017 | 42,825 |
| 2018 | 42,784 |
| 2019 | 42,571 |
| 2020 | 43,155 |
| 2021 | 42,693 |
| 2022 | 42,501 |
| 2023 | 42,316 |
| 2024 | 42,132 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 82.1% |
| Black or African American | 2.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.1
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
17.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.7% · Seniors (65+): 17.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $69,512$-3,635 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,676 |
| Per-capita income | $35,228 |
| Poverty rate | 9.7%+2.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Muscatine County is manufacturing, accounting for 28.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
2.4%
Carpool
81.3%
Public transit
5.9%
Work from home
19.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$172,400$-23,500 vs state
Median home value
$966
Median rent
74.9%
Homeownership rate
18,429
Total housing units
93.2%
Occupied
6.8%
Vacant
25.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.0%
With health insurance
94.6%
With broadband internet
21.9%
Foreign-born
6.5%
Veterans (18+)
13.4%
With a disability
85.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.5%
High School+
22.7%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Muscatine County, Iowa has a population of 42,735 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 14th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 98 people per square mile.
The population of Muscatine County has declined 1.6% since 2010 (42,804 → 42,132), a -0.11% annualized rate.
The median household income in Muscatine County, Iowa is $69,512, with mean (average) household income of $87,676 and per-capita income of $35,228. 9.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Muscatine County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (82.1%), Black or African American (2.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Muscatine County, Iowa is 39.1 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Muscatine County is $172,400 and median monthly rent is $966. 74.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 18,429 total housing units, 6.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Muscatine County, Iowa is manufacturing, employing 28.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Muscatine 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.