Palo Alto County, Iowa
Income Data
At a Glance
How Palo Alto County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Data Story
About Household Income in Palo Alto County, Iowa
Palo Alto Slightly Below National Median
Palo Alto County's median household income of $68,963 falls about $5,800 short of the national median of $74,755. While not affluent, the county performs better than many rural areas and sits closer to middle-income benchmarks.
Nearly Matches Iowa's State Average
Palo Alto County's $68,963 median income sits just below Iowa's state average of $69,830, placing it in the solid middle range. This positions the county fairly on par with typical Iowa economies.
Steady Performance in North-Central Iowa
Palo Alto County ($68,963) edges out Pocahontas County ($63,423) but trails Plymouth County ($81,600) in the immediate region. The range shows economic variation tied to agricultural productivity and manufacturing presence.
Strong Housing Affordability Position
Palo Alto County's 10.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the lowest in the state, well below the 30% affordability threshold. With median home values of $119,300, residents enjoy exceptional purchasing power relative to incomes.
Leverage Affordability Into Wealth
Palo Alto County residents benefit from low housing costs that free up income for investing and saving. Starting a systematic investment plan through employer 401(k)s or index funds early can compound significantly over decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
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County median: $68,963 per year
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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.