Story County, Iowa

Income Data

-1% vs. Iowa average
$69,006
Median Household Income
$37,933
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$69,006
-1% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$37,933
-4% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
28.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#47 / 99
by median household income

How Story County Compares

Story County$69,006
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$69,006
Median Household Income
$37,933
Per Capita Income
$243,600
Median Home Value
28.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Story County, Iowa

Story County income meets national average

Story County's median household income of $69,006 falls about 7.6% below the national median of $74,755. However, Story's presence as a college town with Iowa State University boosts overall earnings compared to purely rural counties.

Slightly below Iowa average

Story County's $69,006 median household income sits about $820 below Iowa's state average of $69,830. This near-parity reflects the county's mixed economy of university employment, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Mid-tier earnings in regional context

Story County's $69,006 income exceeds Taylor ($67,279), Tama ($67,955), Shelby ($67,690), and Union ($56,813) but trails Sac ($70,991), Scott ($76,363), and Sioux ($84,736). Story's presence as a college hub differentiates it from purely agricultural neighbors.

Higher homes, higher housing costs

Story County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% is the highest among these eight counties, driven by median home values of $243,600—reflecting Iowa State's presence and demand. Strong income growth is necessary to maintain housing affordability here.

Education investment pays long-term dividends

Story County's university presence creates unique pathways to higher earnings through education and advanced degrees. Residents should prioritize workforce development and skills training while building emergency savings to offset higher housing costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Story County, Iowa?
The median household income in Story County, Iowa is $69,006, 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 Story County?
The per capita income in Story County is $37,933, 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 $69,006.
How does Story County compare to the Iowa average?
Story County's median household income of $69,006 is lower than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $37,933, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in Story County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Story County, Iowa is $37,933, 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 Story County a low-income area in Iowa?
Story County's median household income of $69,006 is below the Iowa average of $69,830. The per capita income of $37,933 is also comparable to 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 Story County rank for income in Iowa?
Story County ranks #47 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $69,006 and per capita income of $37,933, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $69,006 per year

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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.