Poweshiek County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 37th-largest in Iowa
The population of Poweshiek County, Iowa is 18,582 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 37th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $64,837, the median home value is $184,200, and the median age is 40.8.
The population of Poweshiek County has declined 2.5% since 2010 (18,926 → 18,454), a -0.18% annualized rate.
18,582
Population
-0.18%
Annual growth
32
People / sq mi
$64,837
Median Income
$184,200
Median Home Value
Poweshiek County covers 585 sq mi of land at 31.8 people per square mile.
About Poweshiek County, IA
Poweshiek County is a county in Iowa with a population of 18,582. It ranks #37 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 40.8, older than the national median. The population is 48.7% male and 51.3% female.
The median household income in Poweshiek County is $64,837, below the US median of $74,580. 5.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $184,200, with monthly rent averaging $864. The homeownership rate of 70.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Poweshiek County reflects 28.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.3 minutes each way.
Poweshiek County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Poweshiek County had a population of 18,926 in 2010 and 18,454 in 2024, a -2.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,926 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.18%.
18,454
Population (2024)
18,926
Population (2010)
18,926
Peak (2010)
-0.18%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 18,926 |
| 2011 | 18,900 |
| 2012 | 18,734 |
| 2013 | 18,618 |
| 2014 | 18,624 |
| 2015 | 18,379 |
| 2016 | 18,297 |
| 2017 | 18,359 |
| 2018 | 18,461 |
| 2019 | 18,458 |
| 2020 | 18,628 |
| 2021 | 18,623 |
| 2022 | 18,521 |
| 2023 | 18,497 |
| 2024 | 18,454 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.8
Median Age
51.3%
Female
48.7%
Male
21.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.7% · Seniors (65+): 21.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,837$-8,310 vs state |
| Mean household income | $86,811 |
| Per-capita income | $37,173 |
| Poverty rate | 5.8%-1.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Poweshiek County is professional & business services, accounting for 30.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
10.7%
Carpool
71.2%
Public transit
10.9%
Work from home
19.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$184,200$-11,700 vs state
Median home value
$864
Median rent
70.7%
Homeownership rate
8,946
Total housing units
87.1%
Occupied
12.9%
Vacant
29.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.4%
With health insurance
93.6%
With broadband internet
25.7%
Foreign-born
6.9%
Veterans (18+)
13.9%
With a disability
95.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.6%
High School+
28.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Poweshiek County, Iowa has a population of 18,582 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 37th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 32 people per square mile.
The population of Poweshiek County has declined 2.5% since 2010 (18,926 → 18,454), a -0.18% annualized rate.
The median household income in Poweshiek County, Iowa is $64,837, with mean (average) household income of $86,811 and per-capita income of $37,173. 5.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Poweshiek County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.6%), Black or African American (1.3%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Poweshiek County, Iowa is 40.8 years. Residents are 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
The median home value in Poweshiek County is $184,200 and median monthly rent is $864. 70.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,946 total housing units, 12.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Poweshiek County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 30.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Poweshiek 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.