1st Advantage Mortgage27% of Audubon County households earn $100,000 or more; the median is $58,229 (ACS 2020-24). County medians do not set your terms. Shop at least three lenders, including a credit union serving Audubon County, and confirm each one's Iowa license.
On this page
- First look: Audubon County, IA
- How Audubon County ranks in Iowa
- Employment and commuting in Audubon County
- The Audubon County housing market in figures
- Household income in Audubon County
- Audubon and the rest of Audubon County
- Regional comparison for Audubon County
- Borrowing situations common in Audubon County
- Audubon County households compared
- Budget math at the Audubon County median
- Before you sign
- Who licenses lenders for Audubon County residents
- Beyond Audubon County
- Frequently asked questions
First look: Audubon County, IA
The latest five-year Census estimate puts Audubon County's population at 5,599; only 96 of Iowa's 99 county-level areas are larger. Audubon County spans 443 square miles; with 5,599 people, that is 12.6 per square mile. No metropolitan area includes Audubon County in the 2023 federal delineation, so its numbers stand on their own rather than as part of a metro. Audubon is the biggest of its 5 Census places, at roughly 2,130 people (38% of the county total). Because Audubon County is small, the survey's margins of error are wide; treat the numbers as approximate.
How Audubon County ranks in Iowa
- On population, Audubon County sits near the bottom of Iowa at 5,599, 3rd lowest of 99. With few local branches, online lenders and statewide credit unions widen the choice.
- Few Iowa counties match Audubon County on median age: 47.0 here, 38.6 for the state, ranking 2nd highest of 99. Retirement income counts when documented; favor loans with no prepayment penalty.
- Median household income: $58,229 in Audubon County. Only 3 of 99 Iowa counties are lower. A lean local median makes the size of the loan the most important choice.
Employment and commuting in Audubon County
By the Census industry count, 22% of employed Audubon County residents work in education and health care and 16% in agriculture, forestry and mining. Compared with Iowa, the county leans toward agriculture, forestry and mining (16% against 4%). Unemployment in Audubon County, ACS five-year: 1.3%; Iowa: 3.6%. 9% of commuters travel 45 minutes or more each way, and 11% work from home. 196 Audubon County households, 7.6%, have no vehicle.
| Sector | Audubon County | Compared with Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 22.3% | -1.8 pts |
| Agriculture, forestry and mining | 16.2% | +12.5 pts |
| Construction | 9.6% | +2.7 pts |
| Retail trade | 9.4% | -2.1 pts |
| Arts, lodging and food service | 9.0% | +2.1 pts |
| Manufacturing | 7.4% | -7.3 pts |
Seasonal work is common in many Audubon County industries; if that is you, show a full year of income rather than one strong month.
The Audubon County housing market in figures
A typical Audubon County rental runs $759 a month including utilities, which is 22% below Iowa. By the Census definition, 51% of Audubon County renters are cost-burdened. Audubon County homes are worth $121,900 at the median, a 2.1-to-1 ratio to income. 76% of Audubon County households own their home and 24% rent. Half the housing stock was built before 1950.
| Cost | Audubon County | Iowa figure | Higher or lower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent-burdened renters | 51% | 44% | +7.0 pts |
| Owners | 76% | 72% | +4.5 pts |
| Burdened owners | 16% | 20% | -4.4 pts |
| Median home value | $121,900 | $208,000 | 41% lower |
| Mobile homes | 0.9% | 3.2% | -2.3 pts |
| Median gross rent | $759/mo | $972/mo | 22% lower |
| Vacant units | 7% | 8% | -1.5 pts |
At a $121,900 median value, many Audubon County owners hold equity. Using it lowers cost only if you can carry the risk (equity vs. unsecured). 51% of Audubon County renters are already past the 30% line; one more payment should leave room for a late paycheck.
Household income in Audubon County
$58,229 is the median household income for Audubon County, set against $75,059 for Iowa.
| Household income | Audubon County | vs Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 29.9% | +8.7 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 43.0% | +0.1 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 22.8% | -4.7 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 4.4% | -4.1 pts |
About 30% of households earn under $35,000, while 27% clear $100,000. 11.8% of residents fall below the federal poverty line (statewide: 11.1%). None of these numbers decides a Audubon County application. Lenders weigh your own documented income against your own debts.
Audubon and the rest of Audubon County
Here are the 5 most populous of the county's 5 Census places, with income and rent from the same 2020 to 2024 survey. About 59% of Audubon County residents live in one of the 5. This guide covers each of the 5 places and the rural areas around them.
| Community | Type | Residents | Household income (median) | Rent (median) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audubon | city | 2,130 | $39,816 | $664 | 3 mi |
| Exira | city | 705 | $47,344 | $636 | 6 mi |
| Kimballton | city | 319 | $55,417 | $1,069 | 9 mi |
| Brayton | city | 101 | $51,042 | $756 | 9 mi |
| Gray | city | 70 | $59,250 | n/a | 12 mi |
Regional comparison for Audubon County
Six nearby counties, 21 to 35 miles away by the straight-line distance between their centers. Audubon County's $58,229 median trails 6 of the six and beats 0; the range runs $63,013 (Cass County) to $77,711 (Guthrie County).
| County | Distance | Median income | Median rent | Owners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audubon County | - | $58,229 | $759/mo | 76% |
| Guthrie County, IA | 21 mi | $77,711 | $845/mo | 84% |
| Shelby County, IA | 21 mi | $72,738 | $783/mo | 78% |
| Cass County, IA | 24 mi | $63,013 | $777/mo | 72% |
| Carroll County, IA | 25 mi | $72,930 | $731/mo | 77% |
| Adair County, IA | 33 mi | $68,092 | $799/mo | 74% |
| Crawford County, IA | 35 mi | $67,027 | $743/mo | 76% |
Borrowing situations common in Audubon County
- Age 47.0 at the median. Many Audubon County applicants document income with award letters; ask about early payoff.
- Audubon County rent burden. 51% of renters are cost-burdened; ask your landlord about a payment plan before borrowing for rent.
- Paperwork. ID, proof of income and a bank account are the basics (requirements).
Audubon County households compared
College graduates make up 21% of the adult population. Uninsured, Audubon County: 3.7%; Iowa: 5.0%.
| Measure | Audubon County | Gap to Iowa | Gap to typical U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 47.0 | +8.4 yrs | +5.5 yrs |
| Bachelor's or higher | 20.8% | -10.6 pts | -1.3 pts |
| No high school diploma | 7.7% | +1.0 pts | n/a |
| No health insurance | 3.7% | -1.3 pts | -4.2 pts |
| No vehicle | 7.6% | +2.1 pts | +2.1 pts |
| Work from home | 10.7% | -0.6 pts | +2.0 pts |
| Poverty rate | 11.8% | +0.7 pts | -1.4 pts |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 1.3% | -2.3 pts | -3.1 pts |
| One-way commute | Share of Audubon County workers |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 51.9% |
| 15 to 29 min | 23.4% |
| 30 to 44 min | 15.8% |
| 45 to 59 min | 3.1% |
| 60+ min | 5.8% |
Budget math at the Audubon County median
Audubon County's $58,229 median income, run through a debt-to-income check:
- Median income divided by twelve: $4,852 before taxes
- Rent at the median, $759, takes 16% of that
- Under a 36% cap, $1,747 total minus rent leaves $988
Lenders set their own limits and look beyond the ratio. The DTI calculator uses your figures instead of Audubon County's.
Before you sign
Steps that save money for Audubon County residents:
- Size the loan to the bill, not to the most a lender offers.
- Prequalify with soft pulls where offered, then compare in writing.
- Look the lender up with the state regulator first.
- Lock paid-off cards after consolidating so balances stay at zero.
Who licenses lenders for Audubon County residents
Before sharing details with a lender, a Audubon County resident can confirm its license with the Iowa Division of Banking. Nationally, Audubon County residents can file with the CFPB. State-level detail for Audubon County borrowers is in the Iowa guide.
Beyond Audubon County
For statewide rules and data, see the Iowa guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Audubon County a high-income county?
Its $58,229 median ranks 96th of 99 Iowa counties and compares with $65,681 for the median U.S. county.
Can a Audubon County renter afford a loan payment?
At the $759 median rent and $4,852 median monthly income, rent alone uses 16%; add other debts before a new payment.
Which towns does the Audubon County guide cover?
Every community in the county, unincorporated areas included. The largest of its 5 Census places: Audubon, Exira, Kimballton, Brayton, Gray.
Are Audubon County applicants treated differently?
No. Everyone answers the same questions and is screened on the same objective points; lending partners set their own criteria under fair-lending laws.
Is there a Audubon County office that licenses lenders?
No, licensing is statewide. In Iowa it is the Iowa Division of Banking.