IncomeBy County

Washington County, Iowa

Income Data

+2% vs. Iowa average
$71,339
Median Household Income
$37,686
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$71,339
+2% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$37,686
-4% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
35.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#37 / 99
by median household income

How Washington County Compares

Washington County$71,339
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$71,339
Median Household Income
$37,686
Per Capita Income
$199,600
Median Home Value
35.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Washington County, Iowa

Washington slightly below national median

Washington County's median household income of $71,339 falls about $3,400 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, representing a modest 4.5% gap. This near-parity with national norms suggests Washington's economy is reasonably aligned with broader U.S. trends. Per capita income of $37,686 also closely mirrors the national average, indicating balanced earning power across households.

Slightly above Iowa's middle

Washington County's $71,339 median household income edges above Iowa's state average of $69,830, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 99 counties. Per capita income of $37,686 slightly exceeds Iowa's average of $37,136, suggesting relatively stable wage growth. Washington performs modestly better than most rural Iowa counties, reflecting a diversified local economy.

Washington leads its immediate peer group

Washington's $71,339 income surpasses nearby Van Buren ($60,183), Wapello ($60,034), and Wayne ($59,118) by significant margins, positioning it as a relative income leader in the south-central region. It trails Winneshiek County ($75,652) by about $4,300 but substantially exceeds Webster County ($68,054). This profile makes Washington a middle-ground performer among its geographic neighbors.

Balanced housing affordability

Washington's rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% remains comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating manageable housing costs for renters. With a median home value of $199,600 and median household income of $71,339, homeownership is within reach for most working families. The balance between income and housing prices supports stable homeownership patterns across the county.

Steady wealth building in Washington

Washington residents with median income of $71,339 should establish consistent retirement savings, diversified investment portfolios, and adequate life insurance to protect wealth gains. Tax-deferred accounts like traditional IRAs and 401(k)s reduce the tax drag on investment returns over decades. Regular financial checkups and modest portfolio rebalancing can help households stay on track toward long-term financial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Washington County, Iowa?
The median household income in Washington County, Iowa is $71,339, 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 Washington County?
The per capita income in Washington County is $37,686, 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 $71,339.
How does Washington County compare to the Iowa average?
Washington County's median household income of $71,339 is higher than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $37,686, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in Washington County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Washington County, Iowa is $37,686, 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 Washington County income higher than the Iowa average?
Washington County's median household income of $71,339 is higher than the Iowa average of $69,830. This difference of $1,509 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 Washington County rank for income in Iowa?
Washington County ranks #37 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $71,339 and per capita income of $37,686, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $71,339 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+2%

vs. National Median

-5%

vs. Washington County MedianAbout equal
vs. Iowa Average▲ 2% above
vs. National Median▼ 5% below

Income Adequacy

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Crow Wing County
Minnesota
$71,343
+0%
Flathead County
Montana
$71,327
+0%
Ravalli County
Montana
$71,323
+0%
Boone County
Nebraska
$71,367
+0%
Shelby County
Indiana
$71,301
+0%
Trempealeau County
Wisconsin
$71,295
+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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