Buchanan County, Iowa Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Buchanan County is located in Iowa with a total population of 20,645. It is the 32nd most populous county out of 99 in Iowa.

Age Demographics

The median age in Buchanan County is 39.9 years. This is 3% higher than the state median of 38.6 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Buchanan County is $78,430. This is 7% higher than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is about average. The poverty rate stands at 7.0%. This is 36% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. The unemployment rate is 2.7%. This is 25% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $171,400. Housing costs are 13% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x, Buchanan County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 81.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% higher than the state average of 71.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

Buchanan County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 95.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.8%. The Black or African American population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 3.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.8%) is well below the state average of 7.0%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 2.4%.

Education

22.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 28% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.6%.