Palo Alto County, Iowa Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Palo Alto County is located in Iowa with a total population of 8,902. It is the 82nd most populous county out of 99 in Iowa.

Age Demographics

The median age in Palo Alto County is 41.5 years. This is 8% higher than the state median of 38.6 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Palo Alto County is $68,963. This is 6% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 12% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.7%. This is 7% higher 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 $119,300. Housing costs are 39% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.7x, Palo Alto County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 75.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% higher than the state average of 71.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

Palo Alto County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.6% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.3%. The Black or African American population (1.7%) is well below the state average of 3.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.3%) is well below the state average of 7.0%. The Asian population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 2.4%.

Education

20.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 33% 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 93.9%.