Webster County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 18th-largest in Iowa
The population of Webster County, Iowa is 36,848 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 18th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $68,054, the median home value is $138,500, and the median age is 39.8.
The population of Webster County has declined 2.6% since 2010 (37,882 → 36,909), a -0.19% annualized rate.
36,848
Population
-0.19%
Annual growth
51
People / sq mi
$68,054
Median Income
$138,500
Median Home Value
Webster County covers 716 sq mi of land at 51.5 people per square mile.
About Webster County, IA
Webster County is a county in Iowa with a population of 36,848. It ranks #18 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 39.8, in line with the national median. The population is 52.3% male and 47.7% female.
The median household income in Webster County is $68,054, below the US median of $74,580. 6.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $138,500, with monthly rent averaging $762. The homeownership rate of 70.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Webster County reflects 20.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.3 minutes each way.
Webster County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Webster County had a population of 37,882 in 2010 and 36,909 in 2024, a -2.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 37,882 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.18%.
36,909
Population (2024)
37,882
Population (2010)
37,882
Peak (2010)
-0.18%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 37,882 |
| 2011 | 37,754 |
| 2012 | 37,335 |
| 2013 | 37,344 |
| 2014 | 37,085 |
| 2015 | 37,089 |
| 2016 | 36,813 |
| 2017 | 36,650 |
| 2018 | 36,361 |
| 2019 | 35,982 |
| 2020 | 36,991 |
| 2021 | 37,172 |
| 2022 | 36,703 |
| 2023 | 36,653 |
| 2024 | 36,909 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 86.9% |
| Black or African American | 3.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.8
Median Age
47.7%
Female
52.3%
Male
19.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.4% · Seniors (65+): 19.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,054$-5,093 vs state |
| Mean household income | $82,910 |
| Per-capita income | $35,172 |
| Poverty rate | 6.3%-0.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Webster County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
3.0%
Carpool
83.2%
Public transit
4.0%
Work from home
19.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$138,500$-57,400 vs state
Median home value
$762
Median rent
70.1%
Homeownership rate
17,053
Total housing units
91.7%
Occupied
8.3%
Vacant
29.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.5%
With health insurance
90.4%
With broadband internet
19.4%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
14.8%
With a disability
94.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.3%
High School+
20.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Webster County, Iowa has a population of 36,848 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 18th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 51 people per square mile.
The population of Webster County has declined 2.6% since 2010 (37,882 → 36,909), a -0.19% annualized rate.
The median household income in Webster County, Iowa is $68,054, with mean (average) household income of $82,910 and per-capita income of $35,172. 6.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Webster County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (86.9%), Black or African American (3.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Webster County, Iowa is 39.8 years. Residents are 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
The median home value in Webster County is $138,500 and median monthly rent is $762. 70.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 17,053 total housing units, 8.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Webster County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Webster 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.