Scott County is One of the Fastest Growing Counties in Iowa

If you've noticed new neighborhoods and more buildings being renovated into apartments this could be the reason.

From 2019-to 2020 our nation's population only grew by .35%. That's the slowest growth rate since 1900. Not as many families are having more kids and we are seeing a steady death rate of the aging Baby Boomer population.

Many states have seen a loss in population lately, but that doesn't seem to be the case here in Scott County. 

Get our free mobile app

Stacker.com compiled a list based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau of the fastest-growing counties in Iowa. Scott County came in at number five out of 99 counties in Iowa.

We'll get to the other four counties that topped the list in a minute, but you can almost draw a line along I-80 from easter Iowa to central Iowa to find the fastest growing areas of Iowa.

According to Stacker.com growth is happening in Iowa counties based on job opportunities, lower rents (although Scott County is not known for having lower rent housing right now), easy commutes, and a higher quality of life. 

Crime rates, traffic, crowds, and the ability to spread out also factor into the fast-growing equation.

Here's why Scott County was ranked number five:

#5 Scott County

From 2010 to 2020 the population saw a growth of 12,485 or a +7.7% change. Scott County is #7 among counties in Iowa and ranked third largest county in Iowa.

#4 Linn County 

Linn County is ranked number four and is the second-largest county in Iowa. Cedar Rapids and Marion make up much of Linn County. 2010 to 2020 percent population change: +10.8%

#3 Johnson County

Johnson County includes Iowa City and is the fourth largest county in the state. 2010 to 2020 percent population change: +20.4%

#2 Dallas County

Dallas County is the seventh-most populous county in Iowa and includes cities like Adel. Adel is also the city where you'll find your own Airbnb with an indoor heated pool we told you about recently. 2010 to 2020 percent population change: +61.5%

#1 Polk County

Polk County includes Des Moines and West Des Moines. It's the largest county in Iowa and the 2010 to 2020 percent population change: +17.4%

According to BestPlaces.net, Polk County is a great place for job seekers. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 35.9%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%.

If you'd like to see how other counties in Iowa ranked, you can go here for the complete Stacker.com rankings.