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
Age is the most distinctive thing about Muscatine County: a median age of 39.1, in line with the national median. Muscatine County is a county in Iowa with a population of 42,735. It ranks #14 among counties in Iowa by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $69,512 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.7%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $172,400, with typical rent around $966.
Roughly 22.7% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 5.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 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+
Largest cities in Iowa
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Part of Iowa
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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.