Buchanan County, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
20,694
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,236/yr
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,945
-0.0% year-over-year change

Buchanan County population

How many people live in Buchanan County

Buchanan County is home to 20,694 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.4% of Buchanan County locals are male, and 49.6% are female.

Total population
20,694
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
10,436
Female
49.6%
10,258
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,436 50.4% 0.3%
Female 10,258 49.6% 0.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Buchanan County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.5% are children under 15, then 12.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.4% of the population, while another 25.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.5%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 44
23.4%
45 to 64
25.4%
Over 65
18.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,244 20.5% -1.1%
15 to 24 2,504 12.1% 0.8%
25 to 44 4,846 23.4% -0.2%
45 to 64 5,245 25.4% 0.1%
Over 65 3,855 18.6% 2.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Buchanan County, 98.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 96% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 2.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.5%
Non-citizens
0.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 20,398 98.6% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 110 0.5% -14.7%
Non-citizens 186 0.9% -18.8%
Racial breakdown
White
96%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
2.5%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 19,862 96%
Black or African American 124 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 58 0.3%
Asian 40 0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 13 0.1%
Two or more races 517 2.5%
Other 80 0.4%

Households in Buchanan County

A peek inside Buchanan County households

Buchanan County has 8,252 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 67.8% are families, while the remaining 32.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,252
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,656
Family households
5,596
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,656 32.2% 2.9%
Family households 5,596 67.8% 0.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Buchanan County

The housing landscape of Buchanan County

Buchanan County's housing consists of 8,945 units, with 83.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,945
-0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,435 83.1%
1 unit, attached 108 1.2%
2 units 292 3.3%
3 or 4 units 453 5.1%
5 to 9 units 133 1.5%
10 to 19 units 43 0.5%
20 to 49 units 123 1.4%
50 or more units 2 0%
Mobile home 356 4%
Homes built since 2020
79
-1.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Buchanan County

In Buchanan County, the median construction year is 1973. About 24.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,179 24.4% -4.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 345 3.9% 15.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 721 8.1% -9.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 864 9.7% -3.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,344 15% -13.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,000 11.2% 21.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,066 11.9% 13.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 858 9.6% 17.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 489 5.5% -9.1%
Built in 2020 or later 79 0.9% -1.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Buchanan County occupancy rates

Out of the 8,252 occupied housing units in Buchanan County, 82.1% are owner-occupied, while 17.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,252
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,475
Owner occupied
6,777
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,475 17.9% -4.3%
Owner occupied 6,777 82.1% 2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
7.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Buchanan County housing costs

Housing costs in Buchanan County come to a median of $914 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $848.

Median housing costs per month
$914/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Buchanan County
$848/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Buchanan County

Buchanan County education at a glance

About 41.8% of the population in Buchanan County went to high school, while 20.6% pursued college studies. Another 14.5% earned an associate degree and 15.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 356 2.3% 13.0%
High school diploma 6,458 41.8% 0.5%
College diploma 3,173 20.6% -6.2%
Associate degree 2,241 14.5% 12.2%
Bachelor's degree 2,404 15.6% 3.4%
Graduate degree 811 5.2% -9.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Buchanan County

How much people earn in Buchanan County

The average annual household income in Buchanan County was $89,957 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,236, reflecting a -0.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Buchanan County
$89,957/year
-2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Buchanan County
$78,236/year
-0.2% year-over-year change

Buchanan County income by age

In Buchanan County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $90,673. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $91,375 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $66,042, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $48,094 in earnings. Overall, 91.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $66,042 6.7%
25 - 44 $90,673 3.4%
45 - 64 $91,375 1.0%
Over 65 $48,094 -2.5%
Above poverty level
18,557
Below poverty level
1,762
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 18,557 91.3% -1.2%
Below poverty level 1,762 8.7% 24.1%

Employment in Buchanan County

Workforce and job types in Buchanan County

The job market in Buchanan County is powered by 10,704 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.2% run their own businesses, 67.7% are employed by private companies, and 11.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
10,704
-0.2% year-over-year change
White collar
7,021
Blue collar
3,683
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,021 65.6% -2.0%
Blue collar 3,683 34.4% 3.2%
Employer type
Self employees
13.2%
Private companies
67.7%
Governmental workers
11.8%
Not for profit companies
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,412 13.2% 3.2%
Private companies 7,244 67.7% -2.1%
Governmental workers 1,260 11.8% 3.2%
Not for profit companies 788 7.4% 6.5%
Unemployment rate
2.8%
4.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Buchanan County stands at 2.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Buchanan County

How people get around in Buchanan County

In Buchanan County, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 87.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
1.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 9,248 87.7% 0.6%
Bus or trolleybus 24 0.2% -11.1%
Motorcycle 1 0% N/A
Bicycle 46 0.4% 21.1%
Walk 302 2.9% -8.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Buchanan County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50629 2,082 800 $103,106 $135,191
50641 1,950 624 $67,115 $79,359
50644 8,419 3,640 $80,026 $88,871
50648 4,269 1,629 $95,353 $106,108
50650 648 286 $57,500 $76,035
50654 275 133 $53,264 $100,750
50607 403 171 $54,583 $75,851
50671 182 92 $57,212 $70,878
50682 1,692 610 $89,375 $100,192
52210 958 350 $70,714 $73,503

Explore more communities

FAQs about Buchanan County demographics 

What is the total population of Buchanan County?

Buchanan County has a total population of 20,694 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Buchanan County?

The gender ratio in Buchanan County is as follows:
  • 50.4% males (10,436 residents)
  • 49.6% females (10,258 residents)

What is the median age in Buchanan County?

The median age in Buchanan County is 40.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Buchanan County?

The age distribution in Buchanan County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.5% (4,244 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.1% (2,504 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.4% (4,846 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.4% (5,245 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.6% (3,855 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Buchanan County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Buchanan County is as follows:
  • White: 96% (19,862 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (124 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (58 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (40 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (13 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.5% (517 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (80 residents)

What percentage of the population in Buchanan County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.6% of the population in Buchanan County.

How many housing units are there in Buchanan County?

There are 8,945 housing units in Buchanan County, reflecting a -0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Buchanan County and what is the average household size?

Buchanan County has a total of 8,252 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Buchanan County?

Buchanan County has a median household income of $78,236, representing a -0.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Buchanan County?

The employment rate is 97.2% in Buchanan County, with a workforce of 10,704 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.6% (7,021 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.4% (3,683 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.2% (1,412 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.7% (7,244 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.8% (1,260 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.4% (788 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025