Cherokee County, Iowa

Income Data

-8% vs. Iowa average
$64,478
Median Household Income
$37,174
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$64,478
-8% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$37,174
-6% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
44.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#75 / 99
by median household income

How Cherokee County Compares

Cherokee County$64,478
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$64,478
Median Household Income
$37,174
Per Capita Income
$145,100
Median Home Value
44.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Cherokee County, Iowa

Cherokee trails national household income

Cherokee County's median household income of $64,478 falls 13.8% below the U.S. median of $74,755, ranking in the lower quartile nationally. The gap reflects the economic realities of rural Iowa, where agricultural and small-town employment typically generates lower wages than national averages.

Below-average earner within Iowa

Cherokee County ranks among Iowa's lower-income counties at $64,478, trailing the state average of $69,830 by $5,352. Its per capita income of $37,174 nearly matches the state average of $37,136, suggesting relatively equitable income distribution across the population.

Lower income than most nearby peers

Cherokee's $64,478 median income ranks below Clay County ($64,082 is close, but Clay's is slightly lower) and clearly below Chickasaw County's $73,421 to the east. The county faces stiffer competition for wage growth in this regional cluster, where Chickasaw emerges as the income leader.

Strongest housing affordability advantage

Cherokee County's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest among these eight counties—delivers exceptional housing affordability and leaves substantial breathing room for other financial goals. A median home value of $145,100 means most households can achieve homeownership without financial overextension.

Leverage affordability for wealth building

Cherokee's 13.2% housing cost ratio is a powerful wealth-building asset; households earning $64,478 reclaim money monthly that high-cost regions lose to rent or mortgages. Redirect those savings into emergency funds, education investments, or a brokerage account to capture long-term market growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Cherokee County, Iowa?
The median household income in Cherokee County, Iowa is $64,478, 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 Cherokee County?
The per capita income in Cherokee County is $37,174, 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 $64,478.
How does Cherokee County compare to the Iowa average?
Cherokee County's median household income of $64,478 is lower than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $37,174, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in Cherokee County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Cherokee County, Iowa is $37,174, 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 Cherokee County a low-income area in Iowa?
Cherokee County's median household income of $64,478 is below the Iowa average of $69,830. The per capita income of $37,174 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 Cherokee County rank for income in Iowa?
Cherokee County ranks #75 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $64,478 and per capita income of $37,174, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Cherokee County

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Your income is above the Cherokee County median

County median: $64,478 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-8%

vs. National Median

-14%

vs. Cherokee County MedianAbout equal
vs. Iowa Average8% below
vs. National Median14% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($5,373) vs. median rent ($711/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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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.