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Iowa Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Iowa is a state in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Wisconsin to the northeast, Illinois to the east and southeast, Missouri to the south, Nebraska to the west, South Dakota to the northwest, and Minnesota to the north.
Iowa is the 31st most populous state in the United States. It covers a total land area of 55,857 square miles (144,669 sq. km) and has an average population density of 57 people per square mile, making it the 36th most densely populated state in the country.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Iowa had a population of 3,190,369 (3.19 million). As of July 1, 2024, the estimated population of Iowa is 3,241,488, or approximately 3.2 million people.
👉 Projected Population of Iowa (2026): ~3.26 million
Iowa Population Growth (2010–2020)
Iowa recorded a population growth rate of 4.7% between 2010 and 2020, adding 144,014 residents during the decade. The state’s median age is 38 years, reflecting a relatively balanced age structure compared to the national average. In terms of gender distribution, Iowa’s population is nearly even, with 50.3% females and 49.7% males.
Iowa Census Snapshot (2020)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 3,190,369 (3.19 million) |
| Percentage Change (2010–2020) | 4.7% |
| Population Rank | 31st |
| Total Land Area | 55,857.1 sq mi (144,669.2 km²) |
| Area Rank | 26th |
| Population Density | 57.1/sq mi (22.0/km²) |
| Capital City | Des Moines |
| Largest City | Des Moines |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020)
Iowa Historical Population
Iowa experienced a population growth rate of 4.7% between 2010 and 2020. In 1900, Iowa’s population stood at approximately 2.2 million, and by 2020 it had increased to about 3.2 million, reflecting a net gain of nearly 1 million residents over 120 years.
Below is a look at Iowa’s decade-by-decade population growth and percentage change, highlighting periods of rapid settlement in the 19th century, slower growth in the mid-20th century, and moderate gains in recent decades.
Iowa Population by Decade
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1840 | 43,112 | — |
| 1850 | 192,214 | 345.80% |
| 1860 | 674,913 | 251.10% |
| 1870 | 1,194,020 | 76.90% |
| 1880 | 1,624,615 | 36.10% |
| 1890 | 1,912,297 | 17.70% |
| 1900 | 2,231,853 | 16.70% |
| 1910 | 2,224,771 | −0.3% |
| 1920 | 2,404,021 | 8.10% |
| 1930 | 2,470,939 | 2.80% |
| 1940 | 2,538,268 | 2.70% |
| 1950 | 2,621,073 | 3.30% |
| 1960 | 2,757,537 | 5.20% |
| 1970 | 2,824,376 | 2.40% |
| 1980 | 2,913,808 | 3.20% |
| 1990 | 2,776,755 | −4.7% |
| 2000 | 2,926,324 | 5.40% |
| 2010 | 3,046,355 | 4.10% |
| 2020 | 3,190,369 | 4.70% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020)
Iowa Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations in Iowa
Christianity is the dominant religion in Iowa, practiced by approximately 77% of the state’s population. Among Christian groups, Protestants account for about 60%, followed by Roman Catholics at 18%, with the remainder identifying with other Christian denominations.
The religiously unaffiliated population makes up roughly 22% of Iowa’s residents, including those who identify as atheist, agnostic, or having no formal religious affiliation. Non-Christian religions collectively represent about 1% of the population and include Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and other smaller faith groups.
For more details, read: Religion in Iowa
Race and Ethnicity in Iowa
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, White (non-Hispanic) residents form the largest racial or ethnic group in Iowa, accounting for 82.69% of the total population. The Hispanic or Latino population is the second-largest group at 6.77%, followed by Black or African American residents at 4.05%.
People identifying with two or more races make up 3.41% of the population, while the Asian population accounts for 2.35% of Iowa’s residents.
Ancestry in Iowa
Based on census studies and population estimates, the largest ancestry groups in Iowa are German, Irish, and English, reflecting the state’s strong European settlement history.
For more details, read: Race and Ethnicity in Iowa
Top cities and counties in Iowa
As of 2022, Iowa is divided into 99 counties. The most populous county in the state is Polk County, home to approximately 0.5 million residents and the Des Moines metropolitan area. The largest county by land area is Kossuth County, located in north-central Iowa.
Des Moines is the most populous city in Iowa, followed by Cedar Rapids and Davenport. These are the only three cities in the state with populations exceeding 100,000, making them Iowa’s primary urban centers.
Read more about Cities and Counties in Iowa
Iowa Population FAQs
1. What is the population of Iowa in 2026?
Based on recent growth trends, Iowa’s population in 2026 is projected to be around 3.25 million.
2. Is Iowa’s population growing or declining?
Iowa’s population is slowly growing, with a 4.7% increase between 2010 and 2020, followed by modest gains in recent years.
3. What is the largest city in Iowa by population?
Des Moines is the largest city in Iowa and serves as the state’s capital and primary economic hub.
4. Which county is the most populous in Iowa?
Polk County is the most populous county in Iowa, with about 500,000 residents, largely driven by the Des Moines metro area.
5. What is the dominant racial group in Iowa?
The largest racial group in Iowa is White (non-Hispanic), making up over 82% of the total population as of the 2020 Census.
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