Appanoose County, Iowa

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS

-27% vs. Iowa average

$51,146

Median Household Income

$28,911

Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income

$51,146

-27% vs. state avg

Per Capita Income

$28,911

-27% vs. national

Income-to-Housing Ratio

42.7%

income as % of home value

Rank in Iowa

#99 / 99

by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate

N/A

Labor Force Participation

N/A

How Appanoose County Compares

Appanoose County$51,146

Iowa Average$69,830

National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$51,146

Median Household Income

$28,911

Per Capita Income

$119,800

Median Home Value

42.7%

Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Appanoose County

Income Verdict

Appanoose County has a median household income of $51,146 and per capita income of $28,911 — a gap of $22,235, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $779/month and a median household income of $51,146, rent consumes approximately 18.3% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $51,146, residents of Appanoose County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $28,911 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Appanoose County earns approximately 26.8% below the Iowa state median household income of $69,830.

Data Story

About Household Income in Appanoose County, Iowa

Appanoose faces steepest income challenge

Appanoose County's median household income of $51,146 falls $23,609 below the national median of $74,755, a striking 31.6% gap. This marks the lowest income among the eight profiled counties and reflects deep economic challenges in this south-central Iowa community.

Appanoose ranks among Iowa's lowest

At $51,146, Appanoose's median household income ranks among the lowest in Iowa, trailing the state average of $69,830 by nearly $19,000. The per capita income of $28,911 severely underperforms the state average of $37,136, indicating limited earning capacity across the population.

Appanoose significantly trails all neighbors

Appanoose ($51,146) substantially underperforms every profiled neighbor, including lower-income Adams ($68,828) and Audubon ($54,152) counties. This income disparity signals structural economic challenges distinct from the broader rural Iowa pattern, likely tied to coal mining legacy and industrial decline.

Rent burden is dangerously high

Appanoose's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among the eight counties and approaches the critical affordability threshold of 30%. The median home value of $119,800 is affordable, but renters and lower-wage households face genuine housing stress.

Economic transformation requires bold action

The $23,609 income gap demands urgent household and community strategies: pursue higher-wage job training, consider relocation for opportunity, and maximize available assistance programs. Connect with local workforce boards and financial counselors to identify paths to better-paying careers and build emergency savings as a financial cushion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Appanoose County, Iowa?

The median household income in Appanoose County, Iowa is $51,146, 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 Appanoose County?

The per capita income in Appanoose County is $28,911, 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 $51,146.

How does Appanoose County compare to the Iowa average?

Appanoose County's median household income of $51,146 is lower than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $28,911, compared to the state average of $37,136.

What is the per capita income in Appanoose County, Iowa?

The per capita income in Appanoose County, Iowa is $28,911, 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.

Is Appanoose County a low-income area in Iowa?

Appanoose County's median household income of $51,146 is below the Iowa average of $69,830. The per capita income of $28,911 is also lower than the state average of $37,136. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.

How does Appanoose County rank for income in Iowa?

Appanoose County ranks #99 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $51,146 and per capita income of $28,911, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.