IncomeBy County

Black Hawk County, Iowa

Income Data

-8% vs. Iowa average
$64,581
Median Household Income
$37,409
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$64,581
-8% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$37,409
-5% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
35.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#73 / 99
by median household income

How Black Hawk County Compares

Black Hawk County$64,581
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$64,581
Median Household Income
$37,409
Per Capita Income
$182,400
Median Home Value
35.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Black Hawk County, Iowa

Black Hawk trails national income median

Black Hawk County's median household income of $64,581 falls $10,174 below the national median of $74,755, a 13.6% shortfall. The county—anchored by the Waterloo metro—reflects income challenges facing Midwest industrial centers affected by manufacturing decline.

Black Hawk below Iowa's average income

At $64,581, Black Hawk's median household income trails Iowa's state average of $69,830 by over $5,200. The per capita income of $37,409 closely mirrors the state average of $37,136, indicating relatively even income distribution across the population.

Black Hawk earnings lag Boone and Benton

Black Hawk ($64,581) underperforms prosperous neighbors Boone ($79,741) and Benton ($84,742), but outearns Appanoose ($51,146) and Audubon ($54,152). The county's modest metro status and manufacturing heritage position it between wealthy Cedar Rapids suburbs and struggling rural counties.

Rent burden elevated for some households

Black Hawk's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio is the second-highest among the eight counties, nearing the stress threshold of 30%. The median home value of $182,400 is relatively high for the county's income level, suggesting housing affordability challenges for renters and first-time buyers.

Target the income-housing affordability gap

The $10,174 income gap and elevated rent-to-income ratio signal a need for household income growth and housing strategies. Pursue career advancement in healthcare, technology, or skilled trades; explore homeownership assistance programs; and build savings aggressively to reduce reliance on rent-burdened housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Black Hawk County, Iowa?
The median household income in Black Hawk County, Iowa is $64,581, 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 Black Hawk County?
The per capita income in Black Hawk County is $37,409, 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 $64,581.
How does Black Hawk County compare to the Iowa average?
Black Hawk County's median household income of $64,581 is lower than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $37,409, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in Black Hawk County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Black Hawk County, Iowa is $37,409, 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 Black Hawk County a low-income area in Iowa?
Black Hawk County's median household income of $64,581 is below the Iowa average of $69,830. The per capita income of $37,409 is also comparable to 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 Black Hawk County rank for income in Iowa?
Black Hawk County ranks #73 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $64,581 and per capita income of $37,409, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Black Hawk County

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Your income is above the Black Hawk County median

County median: $64,581 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-8%

vs. National Median

-14%

vs. Black Hawk County MedianAbout equal
vs. Iowa Average▼ 8% below
vs. National Median▼ 14% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($5,382) vs. median rent ($962/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Newton County
Missouri
$64,583
+0%
Jefferson County
Alabama
$64,589
+0%
Onslow County
North Carolina
$64,568
+0%
Henry County
Iowa
$64,604
+0%
Wrangell City and Borough
Alaska
$64,545
+0%
Catawba County
North Carolina
$64,544
+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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