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
The poverty rate is what most separates Poweshiek County from the typical county: 5.8% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Poweshiek County is a county in Iowa with a population of 18,582. It ranks #37 among counties in Iowa by population.
The typical household here earns about $64,837, below the US median of $78,538. Only 5.8% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $184,200, with typical rent around $864.
About 28.2% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. A solid 10.9% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 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.