1st Advantage MortgageIowa County households have a median income of $71,223 and median rent of $686 a month (ACS 2020 to 2024). Whatever your own numbers, compare written offers on APR, fees and total cost, and verify the lender is licensed in Iowa before sharing details.
On this page
- Iowa County by the numbers
- How much Iowa County households make
- Housing costs in Iowa County
- The Iowa County job picture
- Towns and communities in Iowa County
- Iowa County next to its neighbors
- Debt-to-income at Iowa County's medians
- Local borrowing considerations for Iowa County
- Who lives in Iowa County, in numbers
- A Iowa County borrower's checklist
- Who licenses lenders for Iowa County residents
- More guides for Iowa County
- Frequently asked questions
Iowa County by the numbers
The latest five-year Census estimate puts Iowa County's population at 16,507; only 44 of Iowa's 99 county-level areas are larger. Spread over 586 square miles, that works out to roughly 28.1 residents per square mile. It sits outside every metropolitan statistical area in the July 2023 OMB delineation. Williamsburg is the biggest of its 14 Census places, at roughly 3,360 people (20% of the county total).
How much Iowa County households make
At $71,223, the typical Iowa County household income is 8% above the median U.S. county ($65,681). Only 49 Iowa counties post a higher median.
| Households earning | Iowa County | +/- vs Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 19.1% | -2.1 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 47.5% | +4.6 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 27.9% | +0.4 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 5.5% | -3.0 pts |
About 19% of households earn under $35,000, while 33% clear $100,000. Census counts 8.9% of Iowa County residents in poverty, against 11.1% across Iowa. None of these numbers decides a Iowa County application. Lenders weigh your own documented income against your own debts.
Housing costs in Iowa County
Renters in Iowa County pay a median of $686 a month, 29% below the Iowa figure of $972. Rent takes 30% or more of income for 27% of renter households here. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $193,900, about 2.7 times the median household income. 77% of Iowa County households own their home and 23% rent. Half the housing stock was built before 1969.
| Home costs | Iowa County | Iowa | U.S. middle county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $686/mo | $972/mo | $877/mo |
| Median home value | $193,900 | $208,000 | $185,300 |
| Owners | 77% | 72% | 75% |
| Rent-burdened renters | 27% | 44% | 45% |
| Burdened owners | 28% | 20% | n/a |
Owners with equity have a second option. Weigh a secured line against an unsecured loan by risk as well as cost before you choose (how they compare).
The Iowa County job picture
The biggest employer of Iowa County residents, by industry, is education and health care at 27% of workers, followed by manufacturing (18%). Manufacturing stands out: 18% of workers here, versus 15% statewide. The survey's unemployment rate for Iowa County averages 1.9% over 2020 to 2024 (state: 3.6%). About 83% drive to work alone and 12% have trips of 45 minutes or more.
| Where residents work | Iowa County | Difference from Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 26.9% | +2.7 pts |
| Manufacturing | 18.3% | +3.6 pts |
| Retail trade | 10.9% | -0.6 pts |
| Construction | 9.0% | +2.0 pts |
| Arts, lodging and food service | 6.5% | -0.5 pts |
| Professional and administrative services | 6.0% | -1.6 pts |
A lender verifies what your own job pays. The county's industry mix tells you about the local economy, not about your application.
Towns and communities in Iowa County
14 Census places fall mainly inside Iowa County; the 14 biggest are below. They account for 9,870 residents, leaving about 40% of the county in unincorporated, unnamed areas. Amana has the highest median household income on the list ($145,903) and North English the lowest ($54,531), counting places with at least 500 residents. Rent is cheapest in Amana ($623) and steepest in Marengo ($700). No Iowa County place has a separate guide yet; this county page serves all 14.
| Place in county | Status | Population (ACS) | Median HH income | Monthly rent | Distance from center |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williamsburg | city | 3,360 | $58,059 | $671 | 3 mi |
| Marengo | city | 2,725 | $57,941 | $700 | 8 mi |
| North English | city | 852 | $54,531 | $680 | 12 mi |
| Amana | CDP | 755 | $145,903 | $623 | 13 mi |
| Middle Amana | CDP | 683 | $100,296 | $673 | 11 mi |
| Parnell | city | 303 | $70,893 | $679 | 7 mi |
| Homestead | CDP | 252 | $74,886 | n/a | 11 mi |
| Ladora | city | 240 | $60,625 | $567 | 8 mi |
| Conroy | CDP | 199 | n/a | n/a | 4 mi |
| Millersburg | city | 129 | $79,688 | $613 | 9 mi |
| West Amana | CDP | 124 | $55,977 | $827 | 10 mi |
| South Amana | CDP | 121 | $109,792 | n/a | 8 mi |
| East Amana | CDP | 91 | n/a | n/a | 14 mi |
| High Amana | CDP | 36 | n/a | n/a | 10 mi |
Iowa County next to its neighbors
Nearest neighbors first, measured between county centers (24 to 36 miles). Income ranges from $62,329 in Keokuk County to $86,962 in Benton County; 4 of these neighbors top Iowa County's median.
| Neighbor | Distance | Income | Rent | Own |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa County | - | $71,223 | $686/mo | 77% |
| Poweshiek County, IA | 24 mi | $67,391 | $883/mo | 71% |
| Johnson County, IA | 24 mi | $74,935 | $1,122/mo | 59% |
| Keokuk County, IA | 25 mi | $62,329 | $828/mo | 81% |
| Benton County, IA | 28 mi | $86,962 | $826/mo | 85% |
| Washington County, IA | 30 mi | $75,647 | $879/mo | 74% |
| Linn County, IA | 36 mi | $77,649 | $945/mo | 74% |
Debt-to-income at Iowa County's medians
The debt-to-income ratio is the main affordability test lenders use. Applied to Iowa County's medians:
- Median income divided by twelve: $5,935 before taxes
- Median rent: $686, or 12 cents of every gross dollar
- With a 36% ceiling, about $1,451 remains for car, card, student and any new loan payments
- $1,866: what a 43% ratio leaves once rent is paid
Two-income households and single earners in Iowa County land in very different places on this math, so run it for your own budget.
Local borrowing considerations for Iowa County
What the Iowa County figures suggest, and what to check first:
- Check your file. An error fixed before you apply can change the offers a Iowa County borrower sees (free reports).
- Paperwork. ID, proof of income and a bank account are the basics (requirements).
- Consolidating cards in Iowa County. Compare the total repaid, not the monthly figure (how).
Who lives in Iowa County, in numbers
College graduates make up 25% of the adult population. 3.2% of residents have no health coverage.
| Residents | Iowa County | Iowa | Middle U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 42.4 | 38.6 | 41.5 |
| Bachelor's or higher | 24.8% | 31.4% | 22.2% |
| No high school diploma | 4.5% | 6.7% | n/a |
| No health insurance | 3.2% | 5.0% | 7.8% |
| No vehicle | 3.5% | 5.4% | 5.4% |
| Work from home | 8.1% | 11.3% | 8.7% |
| Poverty rate | 8.9% | 11.1% | 13.2% |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 1.9% | 3.6% | 4.4% |
| Trip time | Share |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 39.2% |
| 15 to 29 min | 26.6% |
| 30 to 44 min | 22.6% |
| 45 to 59 min | 6.8% |
| 60+ min | 4.8% |
A Iowa County borrower's checklist
Steps that save money for Iowa County residents:
- Write down what the expense costs; a smaller loan costs less.
- Ask each lender for the APR and all fees in writing.
- Check the license, then the reviews, then the offer.
- Read the final agreement; it must match the offer.
Who licenses lenders for Iowa County residents
Consumer lenders serving Iowa County are licensed by the state, not the county; in Iowa that is the Iowa Division of Banking. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau accepts complaints nationwide. Statewide data and rules: Iowa guide.
More guides for Iowa County
For statewide rules and data, see the Iowa guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Iowa County a high-income county?
Its $71,223 median ranks 50th of 99 Iowa counties and compares with $65,681 for the median U.S. county.
How much is rent in Iowa County?
Median gross rent, utilities included, is $686 a month; 27% of renters spend 30% or more of income on it.
I own my home in Iowa County. Personal loan or HELOC?
A HELOC uses the house as collateral; a personal loan usually does not. With 77% of homes owner-occupied here, many readers can compare both in writing.
Does this page cover Williamsburg?
Yes, along with the other 13 Census places in Iowa County, such as Marengo, North English, Amana.
Can Iowa County residents use the questionnaire?
Yes. It asks the same questions in every Iowa county, lists every requirement up front and does not affect your credit score.