IncomeBy County

Decatur County, Iowa

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-18% vs. Iowa average
$57,146
Median Household Income
$27,508
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$57,146
-18% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$27,508
-30% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
52.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#95 / 99
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Decatur County Compares

Decatur County$57,146
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$57,146
Median Household Income
$27,508
Per Capita Income
$109,500
Median Home Value
52.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Decatur County

Income Verdict

Decatur County has a median household income of $57,146 and per capita income of $27,508 — a gap of $29,638, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $663/month and a median household income of $57,146, rent consumes approximately 13.9% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $57,146, residents of Decatur County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $27,508 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Decatur County earns approximately 18.2% below the Iowa state median household income of $69,830.

Data Story

About Household Income in Decatur County, Iowa

Decatur County below national average

Decatur County's median household income of $57,146 falls significantly below the national median of $74,755—a 23% shortfall that reflects economic challenges common to rural Iowa. This income level requires careful budgeting to maintain quality of life.

Among Iowa's lower-income counties

At $57,146, Decatur County earns 18% less than Iowa's state average of $69,830, ranking near the bottom among the state's counties. The gap highlights structural economic differences between rural and more economically diversified regions.

Struggling relative to adjacent areas

Decatur County's $57,146 income trails Delaware County ($76,205) by nearly $19,000 and Davis County ($79,505) by over $22,000 despite geographic proximity. These gaps suggest limited job growth or wage opportunities compared to neighboring counties.

Tight but manageable housing costs

With a rent-to-income ratio of 13.9%, Decatur County residents keep housing costs reasonable, though the lower baseline income leaves less flexibility for other expenses. The median home value of $109,500 is modest and achievable for local earners.

Prioritize emergency savings and skills

Decatur County residents should focus first on building 3–6 months of emergency savings given the lower income base and economic volatility in rural areas. Consider investing in education or certifications that could increase earning potential and economic resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Decatur County, Iowa?
The median household income in Decatur County, Iowa is $57,146, 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 Decatur County?
The per capita income in Decatur County is $27,508, 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 $57,146.
How does Decatur County compare to the Iowa average?
Decatur County's median household income of $57,146 is lower than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $27,508, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in Decatur County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Decatur County, Iowa is $27,508, 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 Decatur County a low-income area in Iowa?
Decatur County's median household income of $57,146 is below the Iowa average of $69,830. The per capita income of $27,508 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 Decatur County rank for income in Iowa?
Decatur County ranks #95 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $57,146 and per capita income of $27,508, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Decatur County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Decatur County median

County median: $57,146 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-18%

vs. National Median

-24%

vs. Decatur County MedianAbout equal
vs. Iowa Average▼ 18% below
vs. National Median▼ 24% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent7.2x

Your monthly income ($4,762) vs. median rent ($663/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Hardin County
Illinois
$57,155
+0%
Garvin County
Oklahoma
$57,127
+0%
Fayette County
Illinois
$57,113
+0%
Tallapoosa County
Alabama
$57,185
+0%
Worth County
Georgia
$57,201
+0%
Wahkiakum County
Washington
$57,091
+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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