Scott County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in Iowa
The population of Scott County, Iowa is 174,302 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $76,363, the median home value is $212,500, and the median age is 39.0.
The population of Scott County has grown 6.2% since 2010 (165,291 → 175,601), a +0.43% annualized rate.
174,302
Population
+0.43%
Annual growth
380
People / sq mi
$76,363
Median Income
$212,500
Median Home Value
Scott County covers 458 sq mi of land at 380.5 people per square mile.
About Scott County, IA
Scott County is defined demographically by education — 36.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, near the national average. Scott County is a county in Iowa with a population of 174,302. It is the #3-largest of all counties in Iowa nationally.
Median household income is $76,363, near the US median of $78,538. About 7.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $212,500, with typical rent around $958.
About 36.2% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, near the 35.0% national figure. Around 9.9% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Scott County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Scott County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Scott County had a population of 165,291 in 2010 and 175,601 in 2024, a 6.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 175,601 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.43%.
175,601
Population (2024)
165,291
Population (2010)
175,601
Peak (2024)
0.43%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 165,291 |
| 2011 | 166,686 |
| 2012 | 168,433 |
| 2013 | 170,321 |
| 2014 | 171,457 |
| 2015 | 172,072 |
| 2016 | 172,361 |
| 2017 | 172,691 |
| 2018 | 173,019 |
| 2019 | 173,400 |
| 2020 | 174,617 |
| 2021 | 174,250 |
| 2022 | 173,985 |
| 2023 | 174,589 |
| 2024 | 175,601 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 80.7% |
| Black or African American | 7.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.0
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
17.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.3% · Seniors (65+): 17.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $76,363+$3,216 vs state |
| Mean household income | $101,656 |
| Per-capita income | $42,754 |
| Poverty rate | 7.8%+0.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Scott County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
80.1%
Public transit
9.9%
Work from home
19.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$212,500+$16,600 vs state
Median home value
$958
Median rent
69.6%
Homeownership rate
78,130
Total housing units
93.0%
Occupied
7.0%
Vacant
30.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.6%
With health insurance
93.6%
With broadband internet
36.1%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
12.1%
With a disability
93.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.2%
High School+
36.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Scott County, Iowa has a population of 174,302 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 380 people per square mile.
The population of Scott County has grown 6.2% since 2010 (165,291 → 175,601), a +0.43% annualized rate.
The median household income in Scott County, Iowa is $76,363, with mean (average) household income of $101,656 and per-capita income of $42,754. 7.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Scott County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (80.7%), Black or African American (7.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Scott County, Iowa is 39.0 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Scott County is $212,500 and median monthly rent is $958. 69.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 78,130 total housing units, 7.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Scott County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Scott County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
Scott County, IA Climate
Scott County, IA has an average annual temperature of 9.6°C (49°F) and receives about 909 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.6°C
Avg Temp
909
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 20° | 35 mm |
| February | -3° / 26° | 28 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 62 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 90 mm |
| May | 16° / 62° | 98 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 110 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 110 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 103 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 99 mm |
| October | 11° / 53° | 68 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 58 mm |
| December | -4° / 25° | 48 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Scott County, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Scott County, IA are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Scott County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.