Iowa Population 2024 – Demographic Shifts and Future Projections

Iowa population is projected to be 3.21 million, reflecting consistent growth patterns observed over the past decade.

These numbers hint at a sustainable population increase rooted in economic and social factors unique to the state.

An examination of Iowa’s recent history shows an average growth rate of 0.4% per year from 2010 to 2022.

This steady incline demonstrates the state’s ability to retain residents and attract newcomers to its vibrant communities.

Such growth is also observed in several urban areas, contributing to shifts in geographic growth patterns across various regions of Iowa.

Demographics

Iowa’s population is approximately 3,214,315 in 2024 as per World Population Review. This reflects a steady increase from previous years, following a consistent growth pattern since 2010. The state has experienced moderate growth rates over the past decade.

Racial and Ethnic Composition

Population Trends

From 2010 to 2022, Iowa experienced population growth each year, with the most significant increase of 1% between 2019 and 2020. Average growth during this period was about 0.4% annually. The population change dynamics continue to be influenced by both births and migration patterns.

Gender Distribution and Median Age

• Male: 1,590,001 (50.01%)
• Female: 1,589,089 (49.99%)

Median Age

• Overall: 38.3 years
• Male: 37.4 years
• Female: 39.2 years

Age Dependency Ratios

Iowa’s population dependency reflects the number of children and elderly relying on the working-age population:

• Total Age Dependency Ratio: 67.6
• Old Age Dependency Ratio: 28.5 (seniors to working-age adults)
• Child Dependency Ratio: 39.1 (children to working-age adults)

Adult and Senior Population

• Total Adults: 2,436,915
• Senior Citizens (65+ years): 540,542
  Seniors represent approximately 22% of the total adult population, indicating a significant aging demographic.

Population Pyramid Breakdown (2024)

Iowa population pyramid shows the distribution of different age groups for both males and females. The pyramid suggests a population with a strong middle-age group, especially from 30 to 50 years of age, with a tapering off toward older ages. Here’s the distribution:

• Iowa’s population is aging, with a median age of 38.3 years.
• The child dependency ratio (39.1) is higher than the old-age dependency ratio (28.5), indicating a larger proportion of children compared to seniors.
• Despite a slight tilt in favor of males, the gender distribution is nearly balanced.
• The growing senior population (over half a million) emphasizes the importance of healthcare and retirement support systems in the state.

Sex Ratio

• The sex ratio in Iowa shows a nearly 1:1 balance between men and women, with males making up a slightly larger portion of the population (50.01%).

Population Growth Trends

Historical Growth Patterns

Iowa’s population has demonstrated consistent growth over the years, notably between 2000 and 2023, when the number increased by 278,813 people. This period saw the population reaching 3.21 million in 2023, its peak so far.

The population growth over the last 20 years represents an important demographic trend, reflecting economic and social changes in the state. Historical data from the Census Bureau places Iowa as the 30th most populous state, emphasizing its steady climb since surpassing the 3 million mark in 2010.

Current Year Estimates

In 2023, Iowa’s population was about 3,207,004, showing a 0.23% increase from the previous year.

This growth highlights a stable upward trend, aligning with national patterns. Estimates for 2024 are expected to reflect continued growth, despite economic and social factors that might influence demographic shifts.

The slight yet consistent annual growth rate showcases Iowa’s resilience in population expansion and indicates positive trends for local development and urban planning.

Growth Rate Projections

Future projections suggest a continued rise in Iowa’s population, supported by historical trends and current estimates. The state’s growth rate averaged 0.4% annually between 2010 and 2022, with some years reaching up to a 1% increase.

These projections from USA Facts provide a blueprint for policymakers and investors aiming to capitalize on Iowa’s demographic trends. Expected growth is likely to affect infrastructure, education, health care, and employment sectors, requiring strategic planning and investment to sustain thriving communities in the state.

Population by County

Iowa consists of 99 counties, each with varying population densities and growth patterns. Polk County, home to Des Moines, is the most populous, highlighting significant urban concentration. Linn County, containing Cedar Rapids, also shows substantial population numbers. In contrast, counties like Adams exhibit lower population figures, reflecting rural characteristics.

Counties near metropolitan areas tend to experience more growth. For example, Dallas County has been one of the fastest-growing due to suburban expansion near Des Moines. Economic factors, such as employment opportunities and amenities, often influence these population distributions.

Education Levels

Education in Iowa is a strong determinant of socioeconomic status, with the state outperforming national averages in high school completion rates. According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau:

• 93.5% of adults (aged 25 and older) in Iowa have completed high school, which is higher than the national average of 89.6%.
• 32.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is slightly below the U.S. average of 35.7%​as per Census Reporter

However, despite strong educational outcomes, disparities exist, particularly between urban and rural regions:

• Urban areas like Des Moines and Iowa City benefit from proximity to universities and resources, leading to higher educational attainment.
• Rural areas, however, face challenges such as limited access to advanced educational facilities and resources. Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensure equitable education opportunities across the state.

Income Distribution

Income distribution in Iowa reveals both stability and disparity. Below is a table summarizing the income levels across various age groups in Iowa:

• Median Household Income: In 2024, the overall median household income in Iowa stands at $73,482, slightly lower than the national median of $74,755​ according to Neilsberg
  
• Urban vs. Rural: Urban counties such as Polk and Linn report significantly higher income levels than more rural areas. This disparity reflects the broader national trend where urbanization correlates with higher wages and job diversity.

Key Points on Income Disparity

• Middle-income bracket stability: A large proportion of the population in Iowa falls within the middle-income range, supported by the state’s robust agricultural economy and growing business sectors like healthcare and education.
• Challenges in rural areas: Rural areas, where farming dominates, are particularly vulnerable to income fluctuations due to agricultural productivity and market volatility. Farming-dependent households face risks such as wage stagnation, and sectors like manufacturing and trade also exhibit limited wage growth​

Iowa’s Labor Market and Economic Factors

• Unemployment Rate: Iowa has a relatively low unemployment rate of 2.8% in 2024, highlighting a stable labor market. However, some rural areas face higher unemployment rates, and certain sectors, like manufacturing, have seen slight declines​ as noted in the BLS report.
• Agricultural Influence: Agriculture remains a key driver of income in rural Iowa, with income levels closely tied to farm productivity and market conditions​

Over the past decade, income trends have shown significant growth across all age groups, with no declines reported between 2012 and 2022. The most pronounced increase was seen in the 25-year-old age group, where household income surged by $8,776 (a 25.02% rise), growing from a median of $35,074 in 2012 to $43,850 in 2022.

In contrast, the 45 to 64-year-old age group experienced the smallest income growth, with a more modest increase of $6,121 (a 7.25% rise), from $84,484 in 2012 to $90,605 in 2022.

Impact of Migration

Migration patterns have significantly influenced Iowa’s demographic landscape. In 2021, Iowa experienced the migration of 1,188 individuals leaving the state, resulting in a loss of $259,644,000 in Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). This movement represented a small fraction, only 0.4%, of the state’s total population at that time.

The influx of new residents from states like California, Illinois, and Nebraska counterbalances this loss. These areas are primary contributors to the incoming migration to Iowa, supporting growth in various sectors.

Pandemic-related shifts in domestic migration have altered traditional patterns in the United States. For example, in 2021, approximately 7.9 million people relocated across state lines. This figure marked an increase from almost 7.4 million in 2019, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic’s widespread impact on work and lifestyle adjustments.

Title 42’s expiration in 2023 brought attention to the impact of border policies on states like Iowa. Communities anticipated a surge of migrants due to changes in federal policies, highlighting the continued significance of migration on local demographics and economies.

Migration impacts are also observed in localized population changes. For instance, Sioux Center, Iowa, reports a rapid increase in population numbers, spurred by immigrants from Mexico and Central America. This trend is an exception in a broader pattern of decreasing birth rates across the U.S.

Housing and Real Estate Trends

The Iowa housing market in 2024 exhibits notable trends, with a supply of approximately two months and 11,787 homes for sale. The median home price is around $244,900, reflecting a potential for a decrease due to rising inventory levels in late 2024.

The sale-to-list price ratio stands at 98.3%, showing a slight year-over-year decline. A look at Zillow’s data reveals that the median sale price as of July 2024 is approximately $221,509, with the median list price in August 2024 at $249,967.

Median Home Price Trends

• April 2023: $231,600
• Growth in 2024: 3.0%

Compared to the national median home price of $433,558, Iowa’s market remains more affordable, indicating a more accessible market for home buyers.

Real estate professionals, represented by the Iowa Association of REALTORS®, anticipate a potential market resurgence. Updates and trends are regularly published, reflecting data collated through multiple listing services. Insights from sources such as the Iowa Association of REALTORS®contribute to ongoing understanding of the market dynamics and help provide clear expectations.

Gilbert stands out with the highest median ZHVI at $304,569, suggesting a relatively higher home price in comparison to the other cities listed. On the lower end, Zearing has the most affordable housing market, with a median ZHVI of $200,096.

Some other notable cities include:

• Ames, a larger city and home to Iowa State University, where the median home price sits at $262,236, positioning it in the middle of the range.
• Roland and Nevada have comparable home prices, with Roland slightly higher at $238,177 compared to Nevada’s $229,977.
• Smaller towns like McCallsburg and Colo also have relatively lower median home prices, below the $230,000 mark.

Employment and Labor Force Statistics

• Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR): As of July 2024, Iowa’s LFPR was 66.7%, reflecting a slight decline from earlier in the year and below pre-pandemic levels​ according to YCharts
  
• Unemployment Rate: Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that Iowa’s unemployment rate has remained relatively low in 2024, hovering around 2.8% to 2.9% throughout much of the year. This rate places Iowa among the states with the lowest unemployment levels in the U.S​
• Labor Force Size: The total labor force in Iowa has experienced a decrease over the past year, dropping from approximately 1.711 million in July 2023 to 1.686 million in July 2024, representing a 1.5% reduction​
• Employment: Total nonfarm employment remained stable at about 1.61 million jobs in the summer of 2024, with fluctuations in certain sectors, such as construction and education​ as per Common Sense Institute

Sector-Specific Trends

• Construction and Manufacturing: Construction showed moderate job growth, adding around 100 jobs in early 2024. However, manufacturing experienced a slight decline in employment, losing approximately 400 jobs​
• Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: This sector, which is Iowa’s largest, finally recovered to pre-pandemic employment levels. However, small declines were seen in May and June
• Professional and Business Services: Despite a slight dip in employment in May 2024, this sector has been one of the top performers since 2020, adding over 9,500 jobs during the post-pandemic recovery​
• Government Employment: The government sector added 2,500 jobs between December 2023 and May 2024, with job growth continuing at a steady pace

Job Openings and Growth

• Job Openings: As of May 2024, there were over 54,000 job openings in Iowa, with the most demand in healthcare (particularly registered nurses), retail, and administrative roles​
• Long-Term Job Growth: Since January 2020, Iowa has added more than 22,000 jobs in net, with notable gains in professional services and construction

Methodology

The data used in this report was gathered from a variety of trusted sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, World Population Review, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and other governmental and real estate organizations. These sources provided information on Iowa’s population growth, demographics, economic factors, housing trends, and labor market conditions.

For population estimates, historical data from 2010 to 2024 was analyzed to understand growth patterns and project future trends. Data on racial, ethnic, and age demographics, as well as dependency ratios, were sourced from census reports. County-level population figures were derived from regional statistics, reflecting urban and rural differences across Iowa.

Economic factors, such as income distribution and employment rates, were obtained from the BLS, Census Reporter, and industry reports. Housing and real estate trends were compiled using data from Zillow and the Iowa Association of REALTORS®. Migration patterns were examined using migration studies and tax filings.