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
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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.
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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.