IncomeBy County

Butler County, Iowa

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
+0% vs. Iowa average
$69,651
Median Household Income
$35,364
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$69,651
+0% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$35,364
-10% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
44.5%
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 Butler County Compares

Butler County$69,651
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$69,651
Median Household Income
$35,364
Per Capita Income
$156,500
Median Home Value
44.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Butler County

Income Verdict

Butler County has a median household income of $69,651 and per capita income of $35,364 — a gap of $34,287, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $780/month and a median household income of $69,651, rent consumes approximately 13.4% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $69,651 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $35,364 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Butler County earns approximately 0.3% below the Iowa state median household income of $69,830.

Data Story

About Household Income in Butler County, Iowa

Butler edges below U.S. baseline

Butler County's median household income of $69,651 falls just under the national median of $74,755 by about 7%. The county's economy leans on agriculture and small manufacturing, a pattern common across rural north-central Iowa.

Near Iowa's state median

Butler's $69,651 median income virtually matches Iowa's state average of $69,830, putting the county squarely in the middle of the state's income distribution. This reflects a typical mix of farm operations and small-town services.

Mid-range among regional peers

Butler ($69,651) ranks between Calhoun ($66,875) and Carroll ($68,528), with Cedar County ($79,080) and Buchanan ($78,430) significantly ahead. Per-capita income of $35,364 suggests lower wealth concentration than top-performing neighbors.

Reasonable housing affordability

Butler's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% remains comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, protecting renters from cost burden. The median home value of $156,500 is accessible for households near the county median income.

Build modest but steady wealth

Butler's middle-of-the-road income requires disciplined saving and smart housing choices to build long-term wealth. Households should investigate local employer benefits, agricultural land investment (where relevant), and community credit unions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Butler County, Iowa?
The median household income in Butler County, Iowa is $69,651, 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 Butler County?
The per capita income in Butler County is $35,364, 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 $69,651.
How does Butler County compare to the Iowa average?
Butler County's median household income of $69,651 is lower than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $35,364, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in Butler County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Butler County, Iowa is $35,364, 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 Butler County a low-income area in Iowa?
Butler County's median household income of $69,651 is below the Iowa average of $69,830. The per capita income of $35,364 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 Butler County rank for income in Iowa?
Butler County ranks #43 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $69,651 and per capita income of $35,364, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Butler County

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Your income is above the Butler County median

County median: $69,651 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

-7%

vs. Butler County MedianAbout equal
vs. Iowa AverageAbout equal
vs. National Median▼ 7% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent7.4x

Your monthly income ($5,804) vs. median rent ($780/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Pine County
Minnesota
$69,666
+0%
Wilkin County
Minnesota
$69,635
+0%
Hancock County
Maine
$69,630
+0%
Oneida County
Wisconsin
$69,621
+0%
Kittson County
Minnesota
$69,615
+0%
Lewis County
Washington
$69,690
+0%
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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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