IncomeBy County

Calhoun County, Iowa

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-4% vs. Iowa average
$66,875
Median Household Income
$36,086
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$66,875
-4% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$36,086
-9% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
58.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#60 / 99
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Calhoun County Compares

Calhoun County$66,875
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$66,875
Median Household Income
$36,086
Per Capita Income
$114,400
Median Home Value
58.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Calhoun County

Income Verdict

Calhoun County has a median household income of $66,875 and per capita income of $36,086 — a gap of $30,789, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $690/month and a median household income of $66,875, rent consumes approximately 12.4% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $66,875 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $36,086 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Calhoun County earns approximately 4.2% below the Iowa state median household income of $69,830.

Data Story

About Household Income in Calhoun County, Iowa

Calhoun trails U.S. income median

Calhoun County's median household income of $66,875 lags the national median of $74,755 by about 11%. The county's rural, agriculture-focused economy generates lower average earnings than the nation overall.

Below Iowa's state average

At $66,875, Calhoun County falls roughly $2,950 short of Iowa's state median of $69,830. The county ranks in the lower third statewide, a position typical of small, grain-dependent agricultural regions.

Similar to other rural northwest counties

Calhoun ($66,875) mirrors Buena Vista ($66,564) closely, while trailing Carroll ($68,528) and Butler ($69,651) in the region. Cass County ($61,657) ranks lower, highlighting income variability across northwest Iowa.

Housing remains a bright spot

Calhoun's rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% is favorable, with renters spending just over one-tenth of income on housing. However, the median home value of just $114,400—lowest among the eight counties—reflects depressed rural property values and limited wealth accumulation through homeownership.

Focus on income growth opportunities

Calhoun's below-average income makes strategic career planning critical; residents should seek skill training in higher-wage fields or remote work opportunities. Affordable housing frees up cash flow for emergency savings and long-term retirement contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Calhoun County, Iowa?
The median household income in Calhoun County, Iowa is $66,875, 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 Calhoun County?
The per capita income in Calhoun County is $36,086, 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 $66,875.
How does Calhoun County compare to the Iowa average?
Calhoun County's median household income of $66,875 is lower than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $36,086, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in Calhoun County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Calhoun County, Iowa is $36,086, 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 Calhoun County a low-income area in Iowa?
Calhoun County's median household income of $66,875 is below the Iowa average of $69,830. The per capita income of $36,086 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 Calhoun County rank for income in Iowa?
Calhoun County ranks #60 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $66,875 and per capita income of $36,086, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Calhoun County

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Your income is above the Calhoun County median

County median: $66,875 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-4%

vs. National Median

-11%

vs. Calhoun County MedianAbout equal
vs. Iowa Average▼ 4% below
vs. National Median▼ 11% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent8.1x

Your monthly income ($5,573) vs. median rent ($690/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Greene County
Pennsylvania
$66,870
+0%
Pembina County
North Dakota
$66,884
+0%
Schuylkill County
Pennsylvania
$66,901
+0%
Van Buren County
Michigan
$66,902
+0%
Hancock County
Kentucky
$66,836
+0%
Green Lake County
Wisconsin
$66,917
+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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