Polk County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 1st-largest in Iowa
The population of Polk County, Iowa is 497,441 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 1st-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $81,621, the median home value is $248,400, and the median age is 36.2.
The population of Polk County has grown 19.4% since 2010 (432,360 → 516,185), a +1.27% annualized rate.
497,441
Population
+1.27%
Annual growth
869
People / sq mi
$81,621
Median Income
$248,400
Median Home Value
Polk County covers 573 sq mi of land at 868.6 people per square mile.
About Polk County, IA
Polk County is a county in Iowa with a population of 497,441. It ranks #1 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 36.2, younger than the national median. The population is 49.7% male and 50.3% female.
The median household income in Polk County is $81,621, above the US median of $74,580. 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $248,400, with monthly rent averaging $1,113. The homeownership rate of 67.1% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Polk County reflects 39.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 13.9% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.9 minutes each way.
Polk County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Polk County had a population of 432,360 in 2010 and 516,185 in 2024, a 19.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 516,185 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.27%.
516,185
Population (2024)
432,360
Population (2010)
516,185
Peak (2024)
1.27%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 432,360 |
| 2011 | 438,783 |
| 2012 | 444,753 |
| 2013 | 452,780 |
| 2014 | 461,069 |
| 2015 | 467,517 |
| 2016 | 474,593 |
| 2017 | 480,962 |
| 2018 | 486,222 |
| 2019 | 491,031 |
| 2020 | 493,039 |
| 2021 | 497,903 |
| 2022 | 501,261 |
| 2023 | 507,487 |
| 2024 | 516,185 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 77.8% |
| Black or African American | 7.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.2
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
13.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.4% · Seniors (65+): 13.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $81,621+$8,474 vs state |
| Mean household income | $106,356 |
| Per-capita income | $44,008 |
| Poverty rate | 7.1%+0.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 67.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Polk County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
74.1%
Public transit
13.9%
Work from home
19.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$248,400+$52,500 vs state
Median home value
$1,113
Median rent
67.1%
Homeownership rate
215,016
Total housing units
94.1%
Occupied
5.9%
Vacant
32.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.1%
With health insurance
96.0%
With broadband internet
21.9%
Foreign-born
6.0%
Veterans (18+)
11.2%
With a disability
85.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.5%
High School+
39.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Common questions about Polk County, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Polk County, Iowa has a population of 497,441 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 1st-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 869 people per square mile.
The population of Polk County has grown 19.4% since 2010 (432,360 → 516,185), a +1.27% annualized rate.
The median household income in Polk County, Iowa is $81,621, with mean (average) household income of $106,356 and per-capita income of $44,008. 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Polk County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (77.8%), Black or African American (7.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Polk County, Iowa is 36.2 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Polk County is $248,400 and median monthly rent is $1,113. 67.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 215,016 total housing units, 5.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Polk County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Polk County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
More from Iowa
Population 229,463
Population 174,302
Population 154,881
Population 130,693
Full rankings of Iowa counties
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.