Council Bluffs, IA Census Data
The 10th largest city in Iowa by population · 11 cities ranked
Council Bluffs is the 10th largest city in Iowa by population and ranks 7th of 11 for median household income. With 62,564 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 6 other Iowa cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
62,564
48.7% male · 51.3% female
Median Age
39.0
0.3 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$64,092
$14,446 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
21.7%
13.3% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 89.1%
Poverty Rate
13.2%
0.8% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 5.2%
Broadband Access
92.0%
2.3% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$164,300
Median rent: $980 · 64% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
Labor force participation: 60.7%
Per Capita Income
$41,301
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
8.6%
Disability rate: 17.7%
How Council Bluffs Compares to Other Iowa Cities
Rankings among all 11 Iowa cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 10th of 11 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 7th of 11 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 5th of 11 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 11th of 11 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 8th of 11 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Council Bluffs, IA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Council Bluffs, IA?
The population of Council Bluffs, IA is 62,564 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 39.0 years.
What is the median household income in Council Bluffs?
The median household income in Council Bluffs, IA is $64,092, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $41,301.
What is the poverty rate in Council Bluffs?
The poverty rate in Council Bluffs, IA is 13.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 5.2% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Council Bluffs residents have a college degree?
21.7% of adults (25+) in Council Bluffs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 89.1% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Council Bluffs?
The median home value in Council Bluffs, IA is $164,300. Median rent is $980 per month, with 64% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Council Bluffs?
Council Bluffs's population is 87.6% White, 2.6% Black, 10.6% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.2% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Council Bluffs rank among Iowa cities?
Council Bluffs is the 10th largest city in Iowa by population, the 7th highest for median household income, the 5th lowest for poverty rate, the 11th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 11 ranked Iowa cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Council Bluffs?
The unemployment rate in Council Bluffs, IA is 4.2%, with a labor force participation rate of 60.7%. Per capita income is $41,301.
Cities Similar to Council Bluffs
Other Iowa cities with comparable population and income levels.