Major highways

• Iowa Highway 3
• Iowa Highway 4
• Iowa Highway 7
• Iowa Highway 10
• Iowa Highway 15

Adjacent counties

• Palo Alto County (north)
• Humboldt County (east)
• Webster County (southeast)
• Calhoun County (south)
• Buena Vista County (west)

2020 census

The 2020 census recorded a population of 7,078 in the county, with a population density of 12.2213/sq mi (4.7187/km²). 95.79% of the population reported being of one race. There were 3,666 housing units, of which 3,090 were occupied.^[1]

2010 census

The 2010 census recorded a population of 7,310 in the county, with a population density of 12.654/sq mi (4.886/km²). There were 3,794 housing units, of which 3,233 were occupied.^[12]

2000 census

As of the census^[13] of 2000, there were 8,662 people, 3,617 households, and 2,430 families residing in the county. The population density was 15 people per square mile (5.8 people/km²). There were 3,988 housing units at an average density of 7 units per square mile (2.7 units/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.49% White, 0.24% Black or African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.30% from other races, and 0.61% from two or more races. 0.89% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 3,617 households, out of which 29.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.30% were married couples living together, 5.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.80% were non-families. 30.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.40% under the age of 18, 5.30% from 18 to 24, 23.40% from 25 to 44, 24.10% from 45 to 64, and 21.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 96.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $33,362, and the median income for a family was $40,568. Males had a median income of $27,929 versus $20,515 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,006. About 6.60% of families and 9.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.30% of those under age 18 and 6.50% of those age 65 or over.

Cities

Unincorporated communities

• Ware

Townships

Population ranking

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2020 census of Pocahontas County.^[1]

† county seat