Howard County, Iowa
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How Howard County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Income Advisory: Howard County
Income Verdict
Howard County has a median household income of $67,336 and per capita income of $33,190 — a gap of $34,146, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.
Housing Affordability
With median gross rent at $699/month and a median household income of $67,336, rent consumes approximately 12.5% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.
Economic Context
A median household income of $67,336 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $33,190 is in line with national norms for individual earners.
Neighbor Context
Howard County earns approximately 3.6% below the Iowa state median household income of $69,830.
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
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Income Comparison Calculator
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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.