Palo Alto County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 82nd-largest in Iowa
The population of Palo Alto County, Iowa is 8,902 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 82nd-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $68,963, the median home value is $119,300, and the median age is 41.5.
The population of Palo Alto County has declined 6.3% since 2010 (9,398 → 8,809), a -0.46% annualized rate.
8,902
Population
-0.46%
Annual growth
16
People / sq mi
$68,963
Median Income
$119,300
Median Home Value
Palo Alto County covers 564 sq mi of land at 15.8 people per square mile.
About Palo Alto County, IA
Palo Alto County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 16.1% of the population. With 8,902 residents, Palo Alto County is a county in Iowa.
The typical household here earns about $68,963, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.6%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $119,300, with typical rent around $599.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 20.5% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 6.2% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Palo Alto County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Palo Alto County had a population of 9,398 in 2010 and 8,809 in 2024, a -6.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 9,398 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.46%.
8,809
Population (2024)
9,398
Population (2010)
9,398
Peak (2010)
-0.46%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,398 |
| 2011 | 9,354 |
| 2012 | 9,278 |
| 2013 | 9,163 |
| 2014 | 9,120 |
| 2015 | 9,137 |
| 2016 | 9,032 |
| 2017 | 9,045 |
| 2018 | 8,910 |
| 2019 | 8,873 |
| 2020 | 8,993 |
| 2021 | 8,932 |
| 2022 | 8,772 |
| 2023 | 8,807 |
| 2024 | 8,809 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.5
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
21.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.7% · Seniors (65+): 21.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,963$-4,184 vs state |
| Mean household income | $84,394 |
| Per-capita income | $35,518 |
| Poverty rate | 9.6%+2.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Palo Alto County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
4.3%
Carpool
77.1%
Public transit
6.2%
Work from home
17.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$119,300$-76,600 vs state
Median home value
$599
Median rent
75.7%
Homeownership rate
4,517
Total housing units
82.8%
Occupied
17.2%
Vacant
24.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.0%
With health insurance
93.2%
With broadband internet
16.1%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
13.8%
With a disability
96.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.9%
High School+
20.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Palo Alto County, Iowa has a population of 8,902 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 82nd-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 16 people per square mile.
The population of Palo Alto County has declined 6.3% since 2010 (9,398 → 8,809), a -0.46% annualized rate.
The median household income in Palo Alto County, Iowa is $68,963, with mean (average) household income of $84,394 and per-capita income of $35,518. 9.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Palo Alto County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.6%), Black or African American (1.7%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Palo Alto County, Iowa is 41.5 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Palo Alto County is $119,300 and median monthly rent is $599. 75.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,517 total housing units, 17.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Palo Alto County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.8%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Palo Alto 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.