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
What sets Union County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 3.7% versus 14.0% nationally. Union County is a county in Iowa with a population of 12,038.
The typical household here earns about $56,813, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.0%, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $117,800, with typical rent around $683.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 24.1% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 3.7% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 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.