Jefferson County, Iowa

Income Data

-19% vs. Iowa average
$56,824
Median Household Income
$35,800
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$56,824
-19% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$35,800
-9% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
35.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#96 / 99
by median household income

How Jefferson County Compares

Jefferson County$56,824
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$56,824
Median Household Income
$35,800
Per Capita Income
$161,200
Median Home Value
35.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

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

What is the median household income in Jefferson County, Iowa?
The median household income in Jefferson County, Iowa is $56,824, 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 Jefferson County?
The per capita income in Jefferson County is $35,800, 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 $56,824.
How does Jefferson County compare to the Iowa average?
Jefferson County's median household income of $56,824 is lower than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $35,800, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in Jefferson County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Jefferson County, Iowa is $35,800, 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 Jefferson County a low-income area in Iowa?
Jefferson County's median household income of $56,824 is below the Iowa average of $69,830. The per capita income of $35,800 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 Jefferson County rank for income in Iowa?
Jefferson County ranks #96 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $56,824 and per capita income of $35,800, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Jefferson County

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County median: $56,824 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-19%

vs. National Median

-24%

vs. Jefferson County MedianAbout equal
vs. Iowa Average19% below
vs. National Median24% below

Income Adequacy

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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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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.