Union County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 63rd-largest in Iowa
The population of Union County, Iowa is 12,038 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 63rd-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $56,813, the median home value is $117,800, and the median age is 40.6.
The population of Union County has declined 4.5% since 2010 (12,513 → 11,955), a -0.33% annualized rate.
12,038
Population
-0.33%
Annual growth
28
People / sq mi
$56,813
Median Income
$117,800
Median Home Value
Union County covers 424 sq mi of land at 28.4 people per square mile.
About Union County, IA
Union County is a county in Iowa with a population of 12,038. It ranks #63 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 40.6, older than the national median. The population is 48.7% male and 51.3% female.
The median household income in Union County is $56,813, below the US median of $74,580. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $117,800, with monthly rent averaging $683. The homeownership rate of 72.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Union County reflects 24.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 15.4 minutes each way.
Union County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Union County had a population of 12,513 in 2010 and 11,955 in 2024, a -4.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,625 in 2014. Average annual growth rate: -0.32%.
11,955
Population (2024)
12,513
Population (2010)
12,625
Peak (2014)
-0.32%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,513 |
| 2011 | 12,555 |
| 2012 | 12,585 |
| 2013 | 12,615 |
| 2014 | 12,625 |
| 2015 | 12,431 |
| 2016 | 12,366 |
| 2017 | 12,472 |
| 2018 | 12,297 |
| 2019 | 12,224 |
| 2020 | 12,128 |
| 2021 | 12,048 |
| 2022 | 11,922 |
| 2023 | 11,913 |
| 2024 | 11,955 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.6
Median Age
51.3%
Female
48.7%
Male
20.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.7% · Seniors (65+): 20.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,813$-16,334 vs state |
| Mean household income | $73,974 |
| Per-capita income | $31,843 |
| Poverty rate | 9.0%+2.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Union County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
5.7%
Carpool
78.7%
Public transit
3.7%
Work from home
15.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$117,800$-78,100 vs state
Median home value
$683
Median rent
72.1%
Homeownership rate
5,790
Total housing units
87.3%
Occupied
12.7%
Vacant
27.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.1%
With health insurance
92.0%
With broadband internet
23.6%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
15.6%
With a disability
97.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.0%
High School+
24.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Union County, Iowa has a population of 12,038 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 63rd-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 28 people per square mile.
The population of Union County has declined 4.5% since 2010 (12,513 → 11,955), a -0.33% annualized rate.
The median household income in Union County, Iowa is $56,813, with mean (average) household income of $73,974 and per-capita income of $31,843. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Union County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Union County, Iowa is 40.6 years. Residents are 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
The median home value in Union County is $117,800 and median monthly rent is $683. 72.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,790 total housing units, 12.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Union County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Union 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.