IncomeBy County

Appanoose County, Iowa

Income Data

-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

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

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.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Appanoose County

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Your income is above the Appanoose County median

County median: $51,146 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-27%

vs. National Median

-32%

vs. Appanoose County MedianAbout equal
vs. Iowa Average▼ 27% below
vs. National Median▼ 32% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.5x

Your monthly income ($4,262) vs. median rent ($779/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

DeKalb County
Alabama
$51,149
+0%
Jones County
Mississippi
$51,143
+0%
Tippah County
Mississippi
$51,141
+0%
Allen Parish
Louisiana
$51,138
+0%
Iron County
Missouri
$51,161
+0%
Montgomery County
Georgia
$51,188
+0%
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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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