Des Moines County, Iowa
Income Data
At a Glance
How Des Moines County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Data Story
About Household Income in Des Moines County, Iowa
Des Moines County trails national income
Des Moines County's median household income of $60,662 falls 19% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting economic challenges in this older industrial region. The gap indicates residents earn meaningfully less than the typical American household.
Bottom tier within Iowa
At $60,662, Des Moines County earns 13% less than Iowa's state average of $69,830, ranking it among the state's lowest-income counties. This position reflects the county's struggle with manufacturing decline and population loss.
Lowest earner in the region
Des Moines County's $60,662 income falls significantly behind Davis County ($79,505), Delaware County ($76,205), and Dubuque County ($75,919), representing the region's weakest economic performance. The $18,843 gap with Davis County underscores concentrated disadvantage.
Housing costs strain budgets
At 18.0%, Des Moines County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 30% affordability standard threshold for some residents, indicating housing cost pressures affect family budgets more severely than statewide. The median home value of $137,000 remains a significant commitment for lower-earning households.
Seek income growth through training
Des Moines County residents should prioritize career development and skills training, as income growth offers faster wealth-building than investment alone at this economic level. Explore community college programs, apprenticeships, or online certifications that align with regional job demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
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Your income is above the Des Moines County median
County median: $60,662 per year
vs. County Median
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vs. State Average
-13%
vs. National Median
-19%
Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($5,055) vs. median rent ($908/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.