Wealth Index
Among the top 5 wealthiest 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 | Plymouth County | Iowa Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $81,919 | $73,286 | $78,145 |
| Median Personal Income | $59,024 | $58,328 | $61,726 |
| Average income growth | 4.5% | 4.2% | 5.1% |
| Six-Figure Earners | 10.1% | 9.9% | 13.2% |
The median household income in Plymouth County is about 12% higher than in Iowa. Income has been growing faster in Plymouth County (4.5%/yr) than in Iowa (4.2%/yr).
About 10% of adults in Plymouth County earn six figures ($100,000 or more) a year, about the same as the Iowa average of 10%.
Median Household Income 2009–2023 Trend
Median Household Income Over Time
Median household income in Plymouth County, Iowa grew by 50.2% from 2009 to 2023, reaching $81,919 in 2023. That's an average of about 4.5% per year.
Economic Inequality in Plymouth County | Gender Pay Gap | Gini Coefficient
| Metric | Plymouth County | Iowa Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gini Coefficient | 0.478 | 0.518 | 0.570 |
| Male Median Income | $65,059 | $64,701 | $67,746 |
| Female Median Income | $50,727 | $50,787 | $54,793 |
| Gender Pay Gap | 22.0% | 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 Plymouth County, it is 0.478, 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 28% more than women's income in Plymouth County, Iowa. Over a 35-year career, a 28% wage gap accumulates to roughly $501,620 in unearned income for female workers in the area.
Income by Sex Over Time
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Plymouth County, Iowa has narrowed from about 33% to 22% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has narrowed by $1,115 since 2009.
Employment
| Metric | Plymouth County | Iowa Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 1.9% | 3.6% | 5.2% |
| Working from Home | 8.6% | 10.4% | 13.4% |
| Commute time (minutes) | 15 | 16 | 22 |
Approximately 256 people are unemployed in Plymouth County, Iowa.
The average commute time in Plymouth County is 15 minutes, shorter than the 16 minutes in Iowa.
Unemployment Rate Over Time
Since 2011, the unemployment rate in Plymouth County, Iowa has fallen from 2.3% to 1.9% in 2023.
Conclusion
Considering all these factors, Plymouth County, Iowa has an overall wealth index grade of B, making it somewhat better than Iowa, and somewhat better than the country as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about income and wealth in Plymouth County, Iowa.
How Rich Is Plymouth County, Iowa?
Plymouth County has a wealth index grade of B. The wealth index grades areas from A+ (best) to F- by combining income levels, employment rates, and income inequality; a B grade means residents are quite well off compared to the U.S. average. The median household income is $81,919, about 12% higher than the Iowa average of $73,286.
What is the current median household income in Plymouth County, Iowa?
As of 2023, the median household income in Plymouth County, Iowa is $81,919.
What was the median household income in Plymouth County in 2023?
In 2023, the median household income in Plymouth County, Iowa was $81,919.
What was the median household income in Plymouth County in 2020?
In 2020, the median household income in Plymouth County, Iowa was $71,603.
What is the Gini coefficient in Plymouth County, Iowa?
The Gini coefficient in Plymouth County is 0.478. 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 Plymouth County, Iowa?
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Plymouth County, Iowa has narrowed from about 33% to 22% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has narrowed by $1,115 since 2009.