Mahaska County, Iowa
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How Mahaska County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Income Advisory: Mahaska County
Income Verdict
Mahaska County has a median household income of $69,019 and per capita income of $35,035 — a gap of $33,984, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.
Housing Affordability
With median gross rent at $821/month and a median household income of $69,019, rent consumes approximately 14.3% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.
Economic Context
A median household income of $69,019 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $35,035 is in line with national norms for individual earners.
Neighbor Context
Mahaska County earns approximately 1.2% below the Iowa state median household income of $69,830.
Data Story
About Household Income in Mahaska County, Iowa
Mahaska County lags the national median
Mahaska County's median household income of $69,019 falls $5,736 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This 7.7% shortfall places Mahaska below national income standards, reflecting economic challenges typical of rural Iowa counties.
Mahaska nearly matches state average
At $69,019, Mahaska County's median household income nearly equals Iowa's state average of $69,830, sitting just slightly below the state midpoint. The county's economy reflects broader rural Iowa trends of stable but modest income growth.
Mahaska in the middle of peer counties
Mahaska County's $69,019 falls between Lucas County ($67,921) on the lower end and Marion County ($78,059) on the higher end. This positioning reflects Mahaska's moderate economic standing within south-central Iowa's diverse county landscape.
Housing costs slightly elevated here
At 14.3%, Mahaska County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Iowa's higher ones, consuming about three weeks of earnings monthly. The median home value of $140,900 remains affordable, but lower incomes leave less margin for financial emergencies or savings.
Disciplined saving is key in Mahaska
Mahaska County households should prioritize building emergency reserves and pursuing income growth through skill development and career advancement. With below-average incomes and tighter housing affordability, strategic financial planning and avoiding debt become essential for building long-term wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
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Your income is above the Mahaska County median
County median: $69,019 per year
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vs. State Average
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vs. National Median
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Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($5,752) vs. median rent ($821/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.