Pottawattamie County, Iowa

Income Data

+2% vs. Iowa average
$71,446
Median Household Income
$36,853
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$71,446
+2% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$36,853
-7% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
38.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#36 / 99
by median household income

How Pottawattamie County Compares

Pottawattamie County$71,446
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$71,446
Median Household Income
$36,853
Per Capita Income
$183,600
Median Home Value
38.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Pottawattamie County, Iowa

Pottawattamie Near National Median

Pottawattamie County's median household income of $71,446 sits about $3,300 below the national median of $74,755. The proximity to national averages positions it solidly in the middle-income range.

Slightly Above Iowa State Average

Pottawattamie County's $71,446 median income exceeds Iowa's state average of $69,830 by roughly $1,600. This modest advantage reflects the economic strength of the Council Bluffs metro area.

Competitive Earnings in Southwest Iowa

Pottawattamie County ($71,446) outearns Page County ($57,752) significantly while slightly trailing Ringgold County ($69,821). Proximity to Omaha's job market boosts incomes compared to purely rural counties.

Rising Housing Costs Squeeze Budgets

Pottawattamie County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio approaches affordability limits, with median home values at $183,600. Higher housing costs relative to income require careful financial planning and limit savings capacity.

Prioritize Savings Before Home Costs

Pottawattamie County residents earning $71,446 should establish emergency funds and retirement contributions before stretching for higher mortgages. Automating savings through payroll deduction ensures wealth-building even when housing takes 16% of income.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Pottawattamie County, Iowa?
The median household income in Pottawattamie County, Iowa is $71,446, 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 Pottawattamie County?
The per capita income in Pottawattamie County is $36,853, 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 $71,446.
How does Pottawattamie County compare to the Iowa average?
Pottawattamie County's median household income of $71,446 is higher than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $36,853, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in Pottawattamie County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Pottawattamie County, Iowa is $36,853, 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.
Why is Pottawattamie County income higher than the Iowa average?
Pottawattamie County's median household income of $71,446 is higher than the Iowa average of $69,830. This difference of $1,616 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Pottawattamie County rank for income in Iowa?
Pottawattamie County ranks #36 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $71,446 and per capita income of $36,853, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Pottawattamie County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Pottawattamie County median

County median: $71,446 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

+2%

vs. National Median

-4%

vs. Pottawattamie County MedianAbout equal
vs. Iowa Average2% above
vs. National Median4% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.1x

Your monthly income ($5,954) vs. median rent ($970/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Pottawattamie County, Iowa? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in Iowa

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

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