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Madison County, Iowa Demographics 2026

Madison County, Iowa has a population of 16,760, the 43rd most populous county in Iowa. The median household income is $89,542 and the median home value is $236,900. The poverty rate is 6.8%.

Madison County Quick Facts

Population 16,760
Median Household Income $89,542
Median Home Value $236,900
Poverty Rate 6.8%
Unemployment Rate 2.7%
Median Age 41.0 years
Homeownership Rate 81.3%
Affordability Ratio 2.6x
Bachelor's Degree+ 25.5%
High School Graduation 95.3%
Cities/Places 1
Population 16,760 43rd of 99
Median Income $89,542 22% higher state
Poverty Rate 6.8%
Unemployment 2.7%

Economy & Housing

Employment

2.7% Unemployment Rate State: 3.6% | National: 5.2%
69.7% Labor Force Participation

Housing Overview

Owner 81.3%
Renter 18.7%
Affordability Index Very Affordable
2.6x home value to income ratio

People & Demographics

Diversity Index

11out of 100
Very Low Diversity

A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.

State average: 30 | National average: 60

Education

Cities & Places in Madison County

CityPopulationMedian IncomePovertyHome Value
Winterset city5,384$69,26811.4%$181,500

Population Overview

Madison County is located in Iowa with a total population of 16,760. It is the 43rd most populous county out of 99 in Iowa. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Madison County is 41.0 years. This is 6% higher than the state median of 38.6 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Madison County is $89,542. This is 22% higher than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 14% higher. The poverty rate stands at 6.8%. This is 38% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. The unemployment rate is 2.7%. This is 26% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $236,900. Housing costs are 21% higher than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Madison County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 81.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% higher than the state average of 71.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

Madison County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.2%. The Black or African American population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 3.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.2%) is well below the state average of 7.0%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 2.4%.

Education

25.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 17% 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 95.3%.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Madison County, Iowa?

Madison County has a population of 16,760, making it the 43rd most populous county in Iowa.

What is the median income in Madison County?

The median household income in Madison County is $89,542 with a poverty rate of 6.8%.

How many cities are in Madison County, Iowa?

Madison County contains 1 Census-designated place.