Cedar County Public RecordsIowa

As of 2022, Cedar County, Iowa, had an estimated population of 18,482. The median age was about 41.7 years, with 22% under 18 and 19% aged 65 or over. Gender distribution was nearly equal: 50.2% male and 49.8% female. The racial makeup was predominantly White (94.5%), with Hispanic or Latino residents comprising 3.7%, Black or African American 0.8%, Asian 0.6%, Native American 0.2%, and other races or multiracial making up the remainder.

Cedar County, IA, serves about 2,000 K-12 students across 9 public schools, including three high schools. Approximately 92% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 22% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. School ratings average 6/10, reflecting strong academic performance and above-average graduation rates. Extensive programs include advanced placement, vocational training, and dual-credit courses. School safety measures are robust, with low incident rates and modern security improvements, contributing to an environment conducive to learning and community involvement in adult education and lifelong learning initiatives.

As of 2022, Cedar County, IA had an employment rate of approximately 64.5%. Major industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (15.3%), Manufacturing (14.9%), Retail Trade (11.8%), and Educational Services (8.5%). The most common occupations are Management (11.6%), Office & Administrative Support (11.3%), and Production (10.7%). About 26.2% of residents work locally, while 73.8% commute to jobs outside the county, primarily to Johnson and Scott counties, with an average commute time of 25.4 minutes.

Cedar County, IA, has a homeownership rate of approximately 78%, higher than the national average. Median home values are around $190,000, with average monthly rents about $825. Property values have shown steady growth of 5% year-over-year. Most housing consists of single-family homes, with notable neighborhoods in Tipton and West Branch. Property taxes average 1.40% of assessed value, translating to about $2,660 annually on a median-priced home. The housing market offers a mix of historic and newer properties, making it suitable for both families and retirees seeking quiet, community-oriented living.

Cedar County, IA, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2023, there were approximately 180 reported crimes, with a crime rate of 13.5 per 1,000 residents. Property crimes, including theft and burglary, accounted for about 85% of these incidents, while violent crimes remained under 15 cases annually. Local law enforcement encourages prompt crime reporting, contributing to a high clearance rate of around 30%. Overall, Cedar County is considered a safe community with ongoing efforts to enhance public safety.

Cedar County, IA, had 12,543 registered voters as of November 2022. The county conducts general, primary, city, and school elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 63.9% voted for the Republican candidate, while 34.2% supported the Democrat. Polling locations include sites in Tipton, West Branch, and Durant. The Auditor’s Office administers elections, ensuring compliance and accessibility. Issues such as local school funding and infrastructure frequently appear on ballots. Republican and Democratic parties are most active, with independents comprising about 10% of registrations. Voter turnout typically averages 70% in major elections.