Palo Alto County, Iowa

Income Data

-1% vs. Iowa average
$68,963
Median Household Income
$35,518
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$68,963
-1% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$35,518
-10% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
57.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#48 / 99
by median household income

How Palo Alto County Compares

Palo Alto County$68,963
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$68,963
Median Household Income
$35,518
Per Capita Income
$119,300
Median Home Value
57.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

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

What is the median household income in Palo Alto County, Iowa?
The median household income in Palo Alto County, Iowa is $68,963, 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 Palo Alto County?
The per capita income in Palo Alto County is $35,518, 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 $68,963.
How does Palo Alto County compare to the Iowa average?
Palo Alto County's median household income of $68,963 is lower than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $35,518, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in Palo Alto County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Palo Alto County, Iowa is $35,518, 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 Palo Alto County a low-income area in Iowa?
Palo Alto County's median household income of $68,963 is below the Iowa average of $69,830. The per capita income of $35,518 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 Palo Alto County rank for income in Iowa?
Palo Alto County ranks #48 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $68,963 and per capita income of $35,518, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $68,963 per year

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vs. National Median

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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.