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 a county in Iowa with a population of 8,902. It ranks #82 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 41.5, older than the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The median household income in Palo Alto County is $68,963, below the US median of $74,580. 9.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $119,300, with monthly rent averaging $599. The homeownership rate of 75.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Palo Alto County reflects 20.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 17.7 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
Metro areas in Iowa
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.