IncomeBy County

Wayne County, Iowa

Income Data

-15% vs. Iowa average
$59,118
Median Household Income
$34,623
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$59,118
-15% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$34,623
-12% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
57.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#92 / 99
by median household income

How Wayne County Compares

Wayne County$59,118
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$59,118
Median Household Income
$34,623
Per Capita Income
$102,300
Median Home Value
57.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Wayne County, Iowa

Wayne falls furthest behind nationally

Wayne County's median household income of $59,118 trails the national median of $74,755 by $15,637, representing the steepest 20.9% gap in this dataset. Per capita income of $34,623 further reflects depressed individual earning power across the county. This significant shortfall positions Wayne among America's most economically challenged rural counties.

Lowest income tier in Iowa

Wayne County ranks among the lowest-income counties in Iowa, with median household income falling nearly $11,000 below the state average of $69,830. Per capita income of $34,623 trails Iowa's average by $2,513, indicating systemic earning constraints. Wayne's position in the state's bottom tier underscores the severity of local economic headwinds.

Wayne at the regional bottom

Wayne's $59,118 median income is the lowest in its peer cluster, marginally behind Van Buren ($60,183) and Wapello ($60,034), and dramatically below Winneshiek ($75,652) and Warren ($92,990). The $33,872 gap to Warren represents a stark contrast in earning capacity within Iowa. Wayne's isolation in the income hierarchy reflects concentrated job loss and limited employer diversity.

Housing affordability masks deeper stress

Wayne's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% appears healthy on paper, but the low income base means even affordable rents consume significant discretionary resources for working families. With a median home value of $102,300 and median household income of $59,118, homeownership reaches the edge of affordability for many households. Low housing costs reflect weak property demand rather than genuine affordability gains.

Start small, think long-term in Wayne

Wayne residents should prioritize debt reduction and emergency savings before investing, given the tight income margin typical in the county. Even saving $50 per month through automatic transfers into a high-yield savings account builds a buffer against unexpected expenses. As stability improves, low-cost index funds and employer retirement plans become viable pathways to gradual wealth accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Wayne County, Iowa?
The median household income in Wayne County, Iowa is $59,118, 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 Wayne County?
The per capita income in Wayne County is $34,623, 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 $59,118.
How does Wayne County compare to the Iowa average?
Wayne County's median household income of $59,118 is lower than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $34,623, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in Wayne County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Wayne County, Iowa is $34,623, 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 Wayne County a low-income area in Iowa?
Wayne County's median household income of $59,118 is below the Iowa average of $69,830. The per capita income of $34,623 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 Wayne County rank for income in Iowa?
Wayne County ranks #92 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $59,118 and per capita income of $34,623, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $59,118 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

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vs. Iowa Average▼ 15% below
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Income Adequacy

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

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$59,097
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$59,089
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Adams County
Wisconsin
$59,153
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Lauderdale County
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$59,082
+0%
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area
Alaska
$59,079
+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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