IncomeBy County

Adams County, Iowa

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
+0% vs. Iowa average
$71,875
Median Household Income
$44,632
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$71,875
+0% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$44,632
+13% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
54.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#43 / 99
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Adams County Compares

Adams County$71,875
Iowa Average$71,592
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$71,875
Median Household Income
$44,632
Per Capita Income
$131,600
Median Home Value
54.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Adams County

Income Verdict

Adams County has a median household income of $68,828 and per capita income of $41,778 — a gap of $27,050, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $909/month and a median household income of $68,828, rent consumes approximately 15.8% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $68,828 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $41,778 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Adams County earns approximately 1.4% below the Iowa state median household income of $69,830.

Data Story

About Household Income in Adams County, Iowa

Adams slightly below U.S. median income

Adams County's median household income of $68,828 trails the national median of $74,755 by $5,927, a 7.9% shortfall. The county still performs better than many rural counties nationwide, reflecting a relatively stable agricultural and small-business economy.

Adams ranks near the Iowa middle

At $68,828, Adams County falls just below Iowa's state average of $69,830, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 99 counties. The per capita income of $41,778 ranks above the state average of $37,136, indicating solid earning potential per person.

Adams holds its own regionally

Adams ($68,828) sits between lower-income counties like Audubon ($54,152) and higher-earning neighbors Boone ($79,741) and Benton ($84,742). The county's income profile is typical for south-central Iowa's mixed agricultural and small manufacturing base.

Rent-to-income ratio warrants attention

Adams's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio remains comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, though it's higher than several neighboring counties. The median home value of $116,900 offers relatively affordable homeownership compared to Iowa's larger metros.

Close the income gap with planning

The $5,927 shortfall versus the national median is achievable with intentional career moves or additional household income streams. Work with a financial advisor to maximize retirement contributions, leverage home equity strategically, and explore income-boosting opportunities in high-demand fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Adams County, Iowa?
The median household income in Adams County, Iowa is $71,875, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Adams County?
The per capita income in Adams County is $44,632, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $71,875.
How does Adams County compare to the Iowa average?
Adams County's median household income of $71,875 is higher than the Iowa state average of $71,592. The per capita income is $44,632, compared to the state average of $38,360.
What is the per capita income in Adams County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Adams County, Iowa is $44,632, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Adams County income higher than the Iowa average?
Adams County's median household income of $71,875 is higher than the Iowa average of $71,592. This difference of $283 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Adams County rank for income in Iowa?
Adams County ranks #43 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $71,875 and per capita income of $44,632, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Adams County

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County median: $71,875 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

-4%

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vs. Iowa AverageAbout equal
vs. National Median▼ 4% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.7x

Your monthly income ($5,990) vs. median rent ($893/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Roane County
Tennessee
$71,885
+0%
Vernon County
Wisconsin
$71,893
+0%
Meade County
Kansas
$71,852
+0%
Henry County
Illinois
$71,911
+0%
Clatsop County
Oregon
$71,822
+0%
Meagher County
Montana
$71,932
+0%
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By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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