Hardin County, Iowa

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,476 km² (570 mi²). 1,474 km² (569 mi²) of it is land and 2 km² (1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.12% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 18,812 people, 7,628 households, and 5,087 families residing in the county. The population density is 13/km² (33/mi²). There are 8,318 housing units at an average density of 6/km² (15/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 97.14% White, 0.62% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.24% from other races, and 0.50% from two or more races. 2.42% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 7,628 households out of which 29.50% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.10% are married couples living together, 6.50% have a female householder with no husband present, and 33.30% are non-families. 29.40% of all households are made up of individuals and 15.70% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.35 and the average family size is 2.91.

In the county the population is spread out with 24.70% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 23.80% from 25 to 44, 22.40% from 45 to 64, and 20.70% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years. For every 100 females there are 95.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $35,429, and the median income for a family is $41,891. Males have a median income of $30,515 versus $21,068 for females. The per capita income for the county is $17,537. 8.00% of the population and 5.50% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 9.90% are under the age of 18 and 6.20% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Alden
• Buckeye
• Eldora
• Hubbard
• Iowa Falls
• New Providence
• Owasa
• Radcliffe
• Steamboat Rock
• Union
• Whitten