Howard County, Iowa

Income Data

-4% vs. Iowa average
$67,336
Median Household Income
$33,190
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$67,336
-4% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$33,190
-16% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
50.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#57 / 99
by median household income

How Howard County Compares

Howard County$67,336
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$67,336
Median Household Income
$33,190
Per Capita Income
$133,900
Median Home Value
50.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Howard County, Iowa

Howard Below U.S. Income Benchmarks

Howard County's median household income of $67,336 trails the national median of $74,755 by $7,419, placing it in the lower-middle range nationally. This gap is typical for rural Iowa counties competing for talent and investment against urban centers.

Slightly Below Iowa's State Average

At $67,336, Howard County falls modestly below Iowa's state median of $69,830 by $2,494, ranking it in the middle-lower portion of Iowa's 99 counties. The county maintains reasonable parity with state performance despite rural headwinds.

Mid-Pack Performance Among Peers

Howard County's $67,336 median income places it solidly between stronger performers like Harrison ($77,027) and weaker ones like Hardin ($64,906). This middle positioning reflects balanced economic conditions within the region.

Excellent Housing Affordability Ratio

At 12.5%, Howard County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the region's best, well below affordability thresholds and leaving households substantial discretionary income. With a median home value of $133,900, homeownership remains highly accessible for median-income households.

Build Wealth on Solid Affordability

Howard County's exceptional housing affordability ratio frees up income for saving and investing beyond basic needs. Direct those monthly savings into diversified investments—mutual funds, IRAs, or education accounts—to multiply your wealth over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Howard County, Iowa?
The median household income in Howard County, Iowa is $67,336, 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 Howard County?
The per capita income in Howard County is $33,190, 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 $67,336.
How does Howard County compare to the Iowa average?
Howard County's median household income of $67,336 is lower than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $33,190, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in Howard County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Howard County, Iowa is $33,190, 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 Howard County a low-income area in Iowa?
Howard County's median household income of $67,336 is below the Iowa average of $69,830. The per capita income of $33,190 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 Howard County rank for income in Iowa?
Howard County ranks #57 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $67,336 and per capita income of $33,190, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Howard County

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County median: $67,336 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

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vs. Iowa Average4% below
vs. National Median10% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($5,611) vs. median rent ($699/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.