Hampton was established in 1856 and named after Hampton, New Hampshire. The town's early growth was tied to its location along key transportation routes in northern Iowa and its designation as the county seat of Franklin County.
The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century spurred economic development, bringing commerce, industry, and increased settlement. Hampton quickly grew into a regional center for agriculture and trade. A number of significant public buildings, including the Franklin County Courthouse (completed in 1891), were constructed during this period, reflecting the town's civic pride and prosperity.
Throughout the 20th century, Hampton continued to evolve, maintaining its identity as a small but active community. The town became known for its well-preserved historic downtown district and for hosting local events such as the Franklin County Fair, which remains a highlight of community life.
In recent decades, Hampton has focused on revitalization, historical preservation, and community development initiatives aimed at fostering economic sustainability and cultural vibrancy.
According to realtor website Zillow, the average price of a home as of October 31, 2025, in Hampton is $137,868.[12]
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, there are 1,721 estimated households in Hampton with an average of 2.43 persons per household. The city has a median household income of $48,922. Approximately 20.9% of the city's population lives at or below the poverty line. Hampton has an estimated 54.9% employment rate, with 14.5% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 89.9% holding a high school diploma.[13] There were 1,943 housing units at an average density of 439.09 per square mile (169.5/km2).
The top five reported languages (people were allowed to report up to two languages, thus the figures will generally add to more than 100%) were English (76.2%), Spanish (21.1%), Indo-European (2.4%), Asian and Pacific Islander (0.4%), and Other (0.0%).
The median age in the city was 43.3 years.
Hampton, Iowa – racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
As of the 2020 census, there were 4,337 people, 1,755 households, and 1,067 families residing in the city.[18] The population density was 980.11 inhabitants per square mile (378.4/km2). There were 1,937 housing units at an average density of 437.74 per square mile (169.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 72.82% White, 0.51% African American, 0.85% Native American, 0.65% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 13.90% from some other races and 11.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 28.80% of the population.[19]
There were 1,755 households, 29.2% of which had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% were married couples living together, 6.6% were cohabitating couples, 28.9% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present and 19.9% had a male householder with no spouse or partner present. 39.2% of all households were non-families. 32.8% of all households were made up of individuals, 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years old or older.
The median age in the city was 39.7 years. 28.2% of the residents were under the age of 20; 4.7% were between the ages of 20 and 24; 23.0% were from 25 and 44; 22.3% were from 45 and 64; and 21.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.
2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 4,461 people, 1,752 households, and 1,125 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,008.14 inhabitants per square mile (389.2/km2). There were 1,971 housing units at an average density of 445.42 per square mile (172.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 89.06% White, 0.56% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 7.17% from some other races and 2.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 21.48% of the population.
There were 1,752 households 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.6% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.8% were non-families. 30.7% of households were one person and 15.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.05.
The median age was 38.9 years. 26% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.7% were from 25 to 44; 23.9% were from 45 to 64; and 19% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.4% male and 50.6% female.
2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 4,218 people, 1,766 households, and 1,110 families residing in the city. The population density was 986.4 inhabitants per square mile (380.9/km2). There were 1,928 housing units at an average density of 450.9 per square mile (174.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 90.90% White, 0.14% African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 7.68% from some other races and 0.83% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 10.98% of the population.
There were 1,766 households 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.8% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.1% were non-families. 32.4% of households were one person and 18.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.89.
Age spread: 23.2% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 22.1% 65 or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.1 males.
The median household income was $33,005 and the median family income was $45,391. Males had a median income of $29,706 versus $20,909 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,907. About 7.0% of families and 9.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.6% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.
The city has an unusual octagonal building constructed in 1890 to commemorate the local soldiers who fought in the American Civil War. It can be toured by appointment.[25]
The city is intersected by two major highways: U.S. Route 65 and Iowa Highway 3. Interstate 35 is nine miles west of town. There is also an airport, Hampton Municipal, located on the city's southwest side.
Franklin County Historic Jail
The Franklin County Historic Jail in Hampton, Iowa, is a former 19th-century county jail that now operates as a historic site offering an immersive incarceration experience. Since 2016, the facility has hosted a voluntary prison roleplay program, allowing participants to undergo simulated arrest, booking, and confinement procedures modeled after historical practices. The program has attracted visitors from across the United States and internationally, blending elements of historical reenactment with experiential learning.[26]
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