Wealth Index
Less wealthy than 77% of counties in Iowa
The wealth index reflects the overall economic prosperity and financial well-being of a county's residents based on income levels, employment rates, and income inequality metrics.
Income Statistics Overview
| Metric | Hardin County | Iowa Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $65,417 | $73,286 | $78,145 |
| Median Personal Income | $49,444 | $58,328 | $61,726 |
| Average income growth | 3.1% | 4.2% | 5.1% |
| Six-Figure Earners | 5.2% | 9.9% | 13.2% |
The median household income in Hardin County is about 11% lower than in Iowa. Income has been growing slower in Hardin County (3.1%/yr) than in Iowa (4.2%/yr).
About 5% of adults in Hardin County earn six figures ($100,000 or more) a year, lower than the Iowa average of 10%.
Median Household Income 2009–2023 Trend
Median Household Income Over Time
Median household income in Hardin County, Iowa grew by 53.8% from 2009 to 2023, reaching $65,417 in 2023. That's an average of about 3.1% per year.
Economic Inequality in Hardin County | Gender Pay Gap | Gini Coefficient
| Metric | Hardin County | Iowa Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gini Coefficient | 0.499 | 0.518 | 0.570 |
| Male Median Income | $51,812 | $64,701 | $67,746 |
| Female Median Income | $46,497 | $50,787 | $54,793 |
| Gender Pay Gap | 10.3% | 21.5% | 19.1% |
The Gini coefficient measures how evenly income is shared between richer and poorer households, from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns nearly everything). The lower the number, the more equally income is distributed. In Hardin County, it is 0.499, lower than Iowa's 0.518, so income is more evenly distributed here than there, and lower than the US's 0.570, so income is more evenly distributed here than there.
Men's income is about 11% more than women's income in Hardin County, Iowa. Over a 35-year career, a 11% wage gap accumulates to roughly $186,025 in unearned income for female workers in the area.
Income by Sex Over Time
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Hardin County, Iowa has narrowed from about 30% to 10% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has narrowed by $6,420 since 2009.
Employment
| Metric | Hardin County | Iowa Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 3.7% | 3.6% | 5.2% |
| Working from Home | 8.4% | 10.4% | 13.4% |
| Commute time (minutes) | 15 | 16 | 22 |
Approximately 316 people are unemployed in Hardin County, Iowa.
The average commute time in Hardin County is 15 minutes, shorter than the 16 minutes in Iowa.
Unemployment Rate Over Time
Since 2011, the unemployment rate in Hardin County, Iowa has fallen from 5.4% to 3.7% in 2023.
Conclusion
Considering all these factors, Hardin County, Iowa has an overall wealth index grade of C, making it about on par with Iowa, and about on par with the country as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about income and wealth in Hardin County, Iowa.
How Rich Is Hardin County, Iowa?
Hardin County has a wealth index grade of C. The wealth index grades areas from A+ (best) to F- by combining income levels, employment rates, and income inequality; a C grade means residents are close to the U.S. average. The median household income is $65,417, about 11% lower than the Iowa average of $73,286.
What is the current median household income in Hardin County, Iowa?
As of 2023, the median household income in Hardin County, Iowa is $65,417.
What was the median household income in Hardin County in 2023?
In 2023, the median household income in Hardin County, Iowa was $65,417.
What was the median household income in Hardin County in 2020?
In 2020, the median household income in Hardin County, Iowa was $55,490.
What is the Gini coefficient in Hardin County, Iowa?
The Gini coefficient in Hardin County is 0.499. It measures income inequality on a scale from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns everything). That is lower than the US average of 0.570, so income is distributed more equally than in the country overall.
How has the income gap between men and women changed in Hardin County, Iowa?
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Hardin County, Iowa has narrowed from about 30% to 10% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has narrowed by $6,420 since 2009.