Decatur County is a county located in the U.S. state of Iowa. As of the 2020 census, the population was 7,645. The county seat is Leon. This county is named for Stephen Decatur Jr., a hero in the War of 1812.

History

Decatur County was organized in 1850 and named for Stephen Decatur, a naval hero of the War of 1812. The current courthouse was dedicated in 1908.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 533 sqmi, of which 532 sqmi is land and 1.6 sqmi (0.3%) is water.

Major highways

Transit

Adjacent counties

Demographics

2020 census

The 2020 census recorded a population of 7,645 in the county, with a population density of. 96.44% of the population reported being of one race. There were 3,653 housing units of which 2,986 were occupied.

2010 census

The 2010 census recorded a population of 8,457 in the county, with a population density of. There were 3,834 housing units, of which 3,223 were occupied.

2000 census

At the 2000 census, there were 8,689 people, 3,337 households and 2,149 families residing in the county. The population density was 16 /mi2. There were 3,833 housing units at an average density of 7 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 96.46% White, 0.98% Black or African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 0.46% from other races, and 1.12% from two or more races. 1.70% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 3,337 households, of which 28.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.30% were married couples living together, 7.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.60% were non-families. 30.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.96. 23.00% of the population were under the age of 18, 16.30% from 18 to 24, 21.60% from 25 to 44, 21.50% from 45 to 64, and 17.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 95.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.90 males. The median household income was $27,343 and the median family income was $34,831. Males had a median income of $25,569 compared with $19,309 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,209. About 10.90% of families and 15.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.60% of those under age 18 and 13.70% of those age 65 or over. Decatur County is considered to be the poorest in Iowa, reporting that almost 20% of its residents live in poverty.

County officials

Supervisors Steve Fulkerson Doug Tharp Ward Graham Treasurer Janet Pierson Attorney Alan Wilson Auditor Charlene Hoover Recorder Erica Cook Sheriff Chris Lane Assessor Justin Cornett Engineer Justin Savage Clerk of Court Traci Tharp Public Health Administrator Shelley Bickel Veterans Affairs Administrator Samantha Schaff Conservation Director Kayla Clausen Mental Health Director Kathy Lerma

Communities

Cities

Townships

Decatur County is divided into these townships:

Population ranking

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2020 census of Decatur County. † county seat

Politics