Jefferson County, Iowa
Income Data
At a Glance
How Jefferson County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Data Story
About Household Income in Jefferson County, Iowa
Jefferson lags U.S. income average
Jefferson County's median household income of $56,824 trails the national median of $74,755 by $17,931, or 24%. This gap signals economic challenges that require targeted local attention to wage growth and job quality.
Among Iowa's lower-income counties
At $56,824, Jefferson ranks well below Iowa's statewide median of $69,830—a shortfall of $12,906. The county faces greater income pressure than most Iowa communities, placing it in the lower third of the state's 99 counties.
Significantly trails surrounding counties
Jefferson's $56,824 income falls dramatically behind Jackson ($71,605), Jones ($73,071), and Jasper ($70,128), representing a 15–28% income gap versus neighbors. Only Keokuk ($60,856) and Lee ($59,803) come close, indicating a broader economic challenge in the region.
Housing costs strain budgets
Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% indicates housing consumes nearly one-fifth of median income—the highest burden among its peers and approaching the affordability danger zone. Combined with a $161,200 median home value, homeownership requires careful financial planning.
Prioritize income stability first
Jefferson County households should focus first on skill development and career advancement to raise earnings above the county median. Once income stabilizes, even modest monthly savings into employer retirement plans or low-cost index funds builds wealth over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
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Your income is above the Jefferson County median
County median: $56,824 per year
vs. County Median
+0%
vs. State Average
-19%
vs. National Median
-24%
Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($4,735) vs. median rent ($881/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.