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Population Review

Pottawattamie County, Iowa Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 10th-largest in Iowa

The population of Pottawattamie County, Iowa is 93,407 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 10th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $71,446, the median home value is $183,600, and the median age is 40.1.

The population of Pottawattamie County has grown 0.2% since 2010 (93,363 → 93,529), a +0.01% annualized rate.

Pottawattamie County within Iowa · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

93,407

Population

+0.01%

Annual growth

98

People / sq mi

$71,446

Median Income

$183,600

Median Home Value

Pottawattamie County covers 951 sq mi of land at 98.2 people per square mile.

About Pottawattamie County, IA

Pottawattamie County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 42.9% of the population. Pottawattamie County is a county in Iowa with a population of 93,407. It is the #10-largest of all counties in Iowa nationally.

The typical household earns $71,446 a year, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.1%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $183,600, with typical rent around $970.

23.5% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 8.9% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.

The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Pottawattamie County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.

Pottawattamie County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Pottawattamie County had a population of 93,363 in 2010 and 93,529 in 2024, a 0.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 93,657 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: 0.01%.

2015 · 94K20102024
Pottawattamie County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

93,529

Population (2024)

93,363

Population (2010)

93,657

Peak (2015)

0.01%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201093,363
201193,517
201292,965
201392,923
201493,332
201593,657
201693,649
201793,563
201893,445
201993,405
202093,655
202193,403
202293,180
202393,353
202493,529

Race & Ethnicity

White89.0%
Black or African American1.8%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.4%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

40.1

Median Age

50.2%

Female

49.8%

Male

18.3%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.5%
5–9
6.8%
10–14
6.7%
15–19
7.0%
20–24
5.6%
25–34
12.0%
35–44
12.5%
45–54
11.7%
55–59
6.8%
60–64
7.0%
65–74
11.1%
75–84
5.1%
85+
2.1%

Children (under 15): 19.0% · Seniors (65+): 18.3%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$71,446$-1,701 vs state
Mean household income$90,639
Per-capita income$36,853
Poverty rate7.1%+0.2% vs state
Unemployment rate2.4%
Employment-to-population61.2%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
21.6%
Manufacturing
10.5%
Education & health care
9.0%
Finance & real estate
8.1%
Retail trade
7.9%
Information
7.9%
Construction
7.7%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.6%

The largest employment sector in Pottawattamie County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.6% of workers.

How residents commute

0.6%

Drive alone

1.7%

Carpool

80.4%

Public transit

8.9%

Work from home

20.2 min

Avg commute

Housing

$183,600$-12,300 vs state

Median home value

$970

Median rent

70.3%

Homeownership rate

40,022

Total housing units

93.8%

Occupied

6.2%

Vacant

29.7%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

95.2%

With health insurance

92.6%

With broadband internet

42.9%

Foreign-born

8.6%

Veterans (18+)

15.8%

With a disability

93.7%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

91.0%

High School+

23.5%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Iowa

Other counties in Iowa

Part of Iowa

Metro areas in Iowa

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Pottawattamie County, Iowa has a population of 93,407 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 10th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 98 people per square mile.

The population of Pottawattamie County has grown 0.2% since 2010 (93,363 → 93,529), a +0.01% annualized rate.

The median household income in Pottawattamie County, Iowa is $71,446, with mean (average) household income of $90,639 and per-capita income of $36,853. 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Pottawattamie County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.0%), Black or African American (1.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Pottawattamie County, Iowa is 40.1 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.

The median home value in Pottawattamie County is $183,600 and median monthly rent is $970. 70.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 40,022 total housing units, 6.2% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Pottawattamie County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.

Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Pottawattamie County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.