IncomeBy County

Emmet County, Iowa

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-7% vs. Iowa average
$65,181
Median Household Income
$36,957
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$65,181
-7% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$36,957
-6% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
61.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#67 / 99
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Emmet County Compares

Emmet County$65,181
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$65,181
Median Household Income
$36,957
Per Capita Income
$106,200
Median Home Value
61.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Emmet County

Income Verdict

Emmet County has a median household income of $65,181 and per capita income of $36,957 — a gap of $28,224, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $731/month and a median household income of $65,181, rent consumes approximately 13.5% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $65,181 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $36,957 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Emmet County earns approximately 6.7% below the Iowa state median household income of $69,830.

Data Story

About Household Income in Emmet County, Iowa

Emmet County moderately below national

Emmet County's median household income of $65,181 falls 13% short of the national median of $74,755, indicating economic conditions below the American average. The gap reflects agricultural and rural economic constraints typical of northwest Iowa.

Below Iowa's state average

At $65,181, Emmet County earns 7% less than Iowa's state average of $69,830, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. The shortfall suggests limited diversified employment beyond traditional agriculture.

Mid-range among regional peers

Emmet County's $65,181 income falls between Dickinson County's $74,570 (the regional leader) and Decatur County's $57,146, showing moderate economic performance. The county maintains higher incomes than the most rural neighbors.

Housing costs well-controlled

With a rent-to-income ratio of 13.5%, Emmet County residents maintain excellent housing affordability, spending just 45% of the 30% standard threshold. The median home value of $106,200 is highly accessible at local income levels.

Use housing savings to build reserves

Emmet County's strong housing affordability frees up approximately $7,000 annually compared to national norms, providing genuine wealth-building capacity despite moderate baseline income. Direct these savings toward emergency reserves first, then automated investment plans for retirement security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Emmet County, Iowa?
The median household income in Emmet County, Iowa is $65,181, 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 Emmet County?
The per capita income in Emmet County is $36,957, 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 $65,181.
How does Emmet County compare to the Iowa average?
Emmet County's median household income of $65,181 is lower than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $36,957, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in Emmet County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Emmet County, Iowa is $36,957, 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 Emmet County a low-income area in Iowa?
Emmet County's median household income of $65,181 is below the Iowa average of $69,830. The per capita income of $36,957 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 Emmet County rank for income in Iowa?
Emmet County ranks #67 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $65,181 and per capita income of $36,957, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Emmet County

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1.00x

Your income is above the Emmet County median

County median: $65,181 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-7%

vs. National Median

-13%

vs. Emmet County MedianAbout equal
vs. Iowa Average▼ 7% below
vs. National Median▼ 13% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent7.4x

Your monthly income ($5,432) vs. median rent ($731/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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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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