Population in Iowa

How many people live here, how it's changing and who they are.

Topics

Dive into each indicator for Iowa.

3.21 M
Total population
31st in the U.S.
22 /km²
Density
38.6 years
Median age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
1.30 M
Households
64.0%
Urban population
22.9%
Under 18
18.1%
65 and older
78.1 years
Life expectancy
Des Moines–West Des Moines (≈ 730,000)
Largest metro
+0.3%/yr
Growth
2020–2024
83.5%
White (non-Hispanic)
7.1%
Hispanic or Latino
≈ 227,000
4.3%
Black or African American
2.9%
Asian
2.6%
Two or more races
0.4%
Native American
≈ 5.5%
Mexican origin
Largest Hispanic subgroup
Bosnian, Sudanese, Burmese, Lao
Refugee communities

Historical data

Long-run evolution of the key indicators, so you can see the trend — not just today's snapshot.

Population

18402024
3.21 M 7925%

U.S. Census (decennial), 1840–2020 + estimates.

Hispanic or Latino share

19802023
7.1% 545%

Census race & ethnicity tables.

Black or African American share

19802023
4.3% 207%

Census race tables.

Life expectancy at birth

19802023
78.1 yrs 4%

CDC / NCHS state life tables.

Data table

Total population3.21 M31st in the U.S.
Density22 /km²
Median age38.6 years
Female50.2%
Male49.8%
Households1.30 M
Urban population64.0%
Under 1822.9%
65 and older18.1%
Life expectancy78.1 years
Largest metroDes Moines–West Des Moines (≈ 730,000)
Growth+0.3%/yr2020–2024
White (non-Hispanic)83.5%
Hispanic or Latino7.1%≈ 227,000
Black or African American4.3%
Asian2.9%
Two or more races2.6%
Native American0.4%
Mexican origin≈ 5.5%Largest Hispanic subgroup
Refugee communitiesBosnian, Sudanese, Burmese, Lao

Compared to the United States

Coming soon

Side-by-side comparison of Iowa vs. the U.S. average.

National ranking

Coming soon

The national ranking against every other state will appear here as more states are published.