O'Brien County, Iowa

Income Data

-2% vs. Iowa average
$68,216
Median Household Income
$34,346
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$68,216
-2% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$34,346
-13% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
42.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#52 / 99
by median household income

How O'Brien County Compares

O'Brien County$68,216
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$68,216
Median Household Income
$34,346
Per Capita Income
$158,900
Median Home Value
42.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in O'Brien County, Iowa

O'Brien County income below national median

O'Brien County's median household income of $68,216 trails the national median of $74,755 by $6,539, an 9% shortfall. The county sits modestly below typical American household income levels.

Near Iowa's middle income band

O'Brien County ranks close to the state average with a median household income of $68,216, just $1,614 below Iowa's $69,830 state median. The county exemplifies Iowa's typical rural income.

O'Brien competitive with surrounding counties

O'Brien County households earn $488 less than Mitchell County ($68,704) and $4,302 less than Monroe County ($72,518). The county remains solidly competitive within the regional income landscape.

Rent-to-income ratio shows balanced housing

A 13.6% rent-to-income ratio indicates O'Brien County residents spend roughly $136 monthly in rent per $1,000 of income—a reasonable allocation. Housing costs remain manageable relative to household earnings.

Leverage rural stability for savings growth

O'Brien County's stable income and balanced housing costs create genuine opportunity for household savings and wealth building. Prioritize consistent contributions to retirement accounts, explore agricultural or business investment options suited to the region, and consider working with a financial advisor to build long-term security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in O'Brien County, Iowa?
The median household income in O'Brien County, Iowa is $68,216, 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 O'Brien County?
The per capita income in O'Brien County is $34,346, 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 $68,216.
How does O'Brien County compare to the Iowa average?
O'Brien County's median household income of $68,216 is lower than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $34,346, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in O'Brien County, Iowa?
The per capita income in O'Brien County, Iowa is $34,346, 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 O'Brien County a low-income area in Iowa?
O'Brien County's median household income of $68,216 is below the Iowa average of $69,830. The per capita income of $34,346 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 O'Brien County rank for income in Iowa?
O'Brien County ranks #52 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $68,216 and per capita income of $34,346, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in O'Brien County

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Your income is above the O'Brien County median

County median: $68,216 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-2%

vs. National Median

-9%

vs. O'Brien County MedianAbout equal
vs. Iowa Average2% below
vs. National Median9% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent7.4x

Your monthly income ($5,685) vs. median rent ($770/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.