Winneshiek County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 34th-largest in Iowa
The population of Winneshiek County, Iowa is 19,972 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 34th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $75,652, the median home value is $239,000, and the median age is 42.2.
The population of Winneshiek County has declined 6.4% since 2010 (21,076 → 19,723), a -0.47% annualized rate.
19,972
Population
-0.47%
Annual growth
29
People / sq mi
$75,652
Median Income
$239,000
Median Home Value
Winneshiek County covers 690 sq mi of land at 29.0 people per square mile.
About Winneshiek County, IA
Winneshiek County is a county in Iowa with a population of 19,972. It ranks #34 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 42.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.6% male and 49.4% female.
The median household income in Winneshiek County is $75,652, near the US median of $74,580. 4.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $239,000, with monthly rent averaging $800. The homeownership rate of 76.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Winneshiek County reflects 31.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.5% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.8 minutes each way.
Winneshiek County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Winneshiek County had a population of 21,076 in 2010 and 19,723 in 2024, a -6.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,076 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.47%.
19,723
Population (2024)
21,076
Population (2010)
21,076
Peak (2010)
-0.47%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,076 |
| 2011 | 21,055 |
| 2012 | 21,048 |
| 2013 | 20,849 |
| 2014 | 20,708 |
| 2015 | 20,756 |
| 2016 | 20,432 |
| 2017 | 20,140 |
| 2018 | 20,026 |
| 2019 | 19,992 |
| 2020 | 20,051 |
| 2021 | 19,944 |
| 2022 | 19,915 |
| 2023 | 19,728 |
| 2024 | 19,723 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.2
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
22.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.8% · Seniors (65+): 22.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $75,652+$2,505 vs state |
| Mean household income | $97,497 |
| Per-capita income | $40,595 |
| Poverty rate | 4.7%-2.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Winneshiek County is professional & business services, accounting for 30.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
10.3%
Carpool
71.3%
Public transit
11.5%
Work from home
18.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$239,000+$43,100 vs state
Median home value
$800
Median rent
76.4%
Homeownership rate
9,011
Total housing units
91.0%
Occupied
9.0%
Vacant
23.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.1%
With health insurance
91.4%
With broadband internet
27.7%
Foreign-born
7.0%
Veterans (18+)
10.3%
With a disability
95.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.4%
High School+
31.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Winneshiek County, Iowa has a population of 19,972 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 34th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 29 people per square mile.
The population of Winneshiek County has declined 6.4% since 2010 (21,076 → 19,723), a -0.47% annualized rate.
The median household income in Winneshiek County, Iowa is $75,652, with mean (average) household income of $97,497 and per-capita income of $40,595. 4.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Winneshiek County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.4%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%), Black or African American (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Winneshiek County, Iowa is 42.2 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in Winneshiek County is $239,000 and median monthly rent is $800. 76.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,011 total housing units, 9.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Winneshiek County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 30.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.5%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Winneshiek 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.