IncomeBy County

Van Buren County, Iowa

Income Data

-14% vs. Iowa average
$60,183
Median Household Income
$31,538
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$60,183
-14% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$31,538
-20% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
50.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#88 / 99
by median household income

How Van Buren County Compares

Van Buren County$60,183
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$60,183
Median Household Income
$31,538
Per Capita Income
$118,800
Median Home Value
50.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Van Buren County, Iowa

Van Buren lags behind national income

Van Buren County's median household income of $60,183 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $14,500 per year. This 19.4% gap reflects broader rural income challenges across the Midwest. Nationally, Van Buren ranks among the lower-income counties, signaling economic headwinds for working families here.

Below average among Iowa counties

At $60,183, Van Buren falls notably short of Iowa's state average of $69,830, placing it in the lower tier of the state's 99 counties. The county's per capita income of $31,538 also lags Iowa's average of $37,136, suggesting weaker earning power across the board. This income gap mirrors similar structural challenges in Iowa's smaller, rural counties.

Van Buren among the toughest earners

Van Buren's $60,183 income falls between Wayne County ($59,118) and Wapello County ($60,034), placing it in a cluster of lower-income southeastern Iowa counties. By contrast, nearby Warren County averages $92,990—more than 50% higher—and Winneshiek County reaches $75,652. This stark regional divide highlights income inequality within Iowa's neighboring communities.

Rent eats 13.7% of household income

Van Buren's rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% sits well below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating that renters here spend less of their income on housing than the national burden. However, with a median home value of $118,800 and a median household income of $60,183, buying remains challenging without significant down-payment assistance. The gap between earning power and home prices suggests mixed affordability conditions across tenure types.

Build financial resilience in Van Buren

With lower household incomes, Van Buren residents should prioritize emergency savings and low-cost investment vehicles like employer 401(k)s and Roth IRAs to compound wealth over time. Local financial counseling services and tax-advantaged savings programs can help families bridge the income gap and plan for retirement. Even modest, consistent investing now can significantly improve long-term financial security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Van Buren County, Iowa?
The median household income in Van Buren County, Iowa is $60,183, 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 Van Buren County?
The per capita income in Van Buren County is $31,538, 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 $60,183.
How does Van Buren County compare to the Iowa average?
Van Buren County's median household income of $60,183 is lower than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $31,538, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in Van Buren County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Van Buren County, Iowa is $31,538, 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 Van Buren County a low-income area in Iowa?
Van Buren County's median household income of $60,183 is below the Iowa average of $69,830. The per capita income of $31,538 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 Van Buren County rank for income in Iowa?
Van Buren County ranks #88 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $60,183 and per capita income of $31,538, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Van Buren County

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Your income is above the Van Buren County median

County median: $60,183 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-14%

vs. National Median

-19%

vs. Van Buren County MedianAbout equal
vs. Iowa Average▼ 14% below
vs. National Median▼ 19% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent7.3x

Your monthly income ($5,015) vs. median rent ($686/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Greer County
Oklahoma
$60,183
+0%
Clearfield County
Pennsylvania
$60,181
+0%
Oconee County
South Carolina
$60,193
+0%
Stutsman County
North Dakota
$60,172
+0%
Collingsworth County
Texas
$60,165
+0%
Loup County
Nebraska
$60,156
+0%
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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.

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