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
Remote work is unusually rare in Webster County: 4.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. With 36,848 residents, Webster County is a county in Iowa. It ranks #18 among counties in Iowa by population.
Median household income is $68,054, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.3%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $138,500, with typical rent around $762.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 20.5% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.0% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 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.
Webster County, IA Climate
Webster County, IA has an average annual temperature of 8.4°C (47°F) and receives about 844 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.4°C
Avg Temp
844
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -9° / 16° | 24 mm |
| February | -6° / 22° | 20 mm |
| March | 1° / 35° | 53 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 82 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 109 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 123 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 108 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 104 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 83 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 64 mm |
| November | 2° / 35° | 46 mm |
| December | -6° / 22° | 28 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 Webster County, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Webster County, IA are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -14°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Webster County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.