IncomeBy County

Des Moines County, Iowa

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-13% vs. Iowa average
$60,662
Median Household Income
$36,246
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$60,662
-13% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$36,246
-8% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
44.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#87 / 99
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Des Moines County Compares

Des Moines County$60,662
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$60,662
Median Household Income
$36,246
Per Capita Income
$137,000
Median Home Value
44.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Des Moines County

Income Verdict

Des Moines County has a median household income of $60,662 and per capita income of $36,246 — a gap of $24,416, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $908/month and a median household income of $60,662, rent consumes approximately 18.0% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $60,662, residents of Des Moines County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $36,246 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Des Moines County earns approximately 13.1% below the Iowa state median household income of $69,830.

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

What is the median household income in Des Moines County, Iowa?
The median household income in Des Moines County, Iowa is $60,662, 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 Des Moines County?
The per capita income in Des Moines County is $36,246, 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 $60,662.
How does Des Moines County compare to the Iowa average?
Des Moines County's median household income of $60,662 is lower than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $36,246, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in Des Moines County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Des Moines County, Iowa is $36,246, 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 Des Moines County a low-income area in Iowa?
Des Moines County's median household income of $60,662 is below the Iowa average of $69,830. The per capita income of $36,246 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 Des Moines County rank for income in Iowa?
Des Moines County ranks #87 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $60,662 and per capita income of $36,246, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Des Moines County

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Your income is above the Des Moines County median

County median: $60,662 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-13%

vs. National Median

-19%

vs. Des Moines County MedianAbout equal
vs. Iowa Average▼ 13% below
vs. National Median▼ 19% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.6x

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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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Boyd County
Kentucky
$60,659
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Daviess County
Missouri
$60,665
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Clarion County
Pennsylvania
$60,668
+0%
Coffee County
Tennessee
$60,656
+0%
Genesee County
Michigan
$60,673
+0%
Lafayette County
Florida
$60,692
+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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