Cherokee County, Iowa Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Cherokee County is located in Iowa with a total population of 11,587. It is the 66th most populous county out of 99 in Iowa.

Age Demographics

The median age in Cherokee County is 44.5 years. This is 15% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 11.3% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Cherokee County is $64,478. This is 12% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 18% lower. The poverty rate stands at 15.2%. This is 39% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. The unemployment rate is 3.0%. This is 18% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $145,100. Housing costs are 26% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.3x, Cherokee County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 73.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% higher than the state average of 71.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

Cherokee County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 89.7% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.8%. The Black or African American population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 3.8%. The Asian population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 2.4%.

Education

21.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 30% 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 93.1%.