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
The poverty rate is what most separates Winneshiek County from the typical county: 4.7% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 19,972 residents, Winneshiek County is a county in Iowa. It ranks #34 among counties in Iowa by population.
Households take in a median $75,652, comfortably near the US median of $78,538. Only 4.7% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $239,000, with typical rent around $800.
College attainment is above the local norm at 31.5%, below the national 35.0%. A solid 11.5% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 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.