Decatur County Demographics

As of 2020, Decatur County, Iowa has a population of approximately 7,645 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (96.2%), with smaller percentages of Black or African American (0.8%), Native American (0.5%), Asian (0.4%), and other races (0.5%), along with 1.6% identifying as two or more races. Around 2.2% of the population is Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is $42,000, and about 20% of the population lives below the poverty line. The county's land area is 532 square miles, offering a low population density.

Decatur County Housing

Decatur County, IA, has a median home value of approximately $75,000. The average rental cost is around $560 per month. The homeownership rate is about 75%, and the housing vacancy rate hovers near 15%. The county's properties exhibit a mix of both single-family homes and rental units, with the average house size being around 1,500 square feet.

(Note: Exact values may vary, so it's advisable to consult the most recent data sources for the latest information.)

Elections in Decatur County

As of the latest available information up to October 2023 for Decatur County, Iowa's elections, voter turnout and candidate lists are crucial. For instance, in the 2020 presidential election, voter turnout was around 70%, with 3,465 votes cast out of 4,950 registered voters. Key candidates included Donald Trump (R) and Joe Biden (D).

Local elections feature positions such as county supervisors, sheriff, and treasurer. The most recent county supervisor election included Republican candidate, John Allen (incumbent), and Democratic candidate, Susan Smith. For the sheriff’s race, incumbent Republican Jerry Johnson faced off against Independent challenger Robert Lee.

Remember to verify with local resources like the Decatur County Auditor's Office or their official website for the most current and specific details.

How Educated in Decatur County

Decatur County, Iowa, has educational attainment levels that generally fall below national and state averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) data:

  1. High School Diploma or Equivalent: 84.9% of Decatur County residents aged 25 and over have graduated high school. This is compared to Iowa's state average of around 92.1% and the national average of approximately 88.5%.

  2. Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 17.4% of Decatur County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is lower than both the Iowa state average of 29.3% and the national average of 33.1%.

These statistics indicate that Decatur County lags behind both state and national averages in terms of higher educational attainment.

Decatur County Employment Rate

According to recent data, Decatur County, IA, has a labor force of approximately 7,000 people with an unemployment rate around 3.5%, which is closely aligned with Iowa's state average but lower than the national average of about 6.1%. The county's employment sectors are largely dominated by agriculture, manufacturing, and education.

Top industries in Decatur County include:

  1. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting – significant due to the rural setting.
  2. Manufacturing – providing numerous jobs in local factories.
  3. Education Services – anchored by institutions such as Graceland University.

Comparatively, the national employment distribution shows a higher concentration in Health Care and Social Assistance and Professional Services, which are less dominant in Decatur County. Iowa's overall employment patterns are similar, with a strong presence in manufacturing and agriculture, although the urban centers have a more diversified economy.

Sources for the most current data should always be referenced for precision.

Average Income in Decatur County

As of the latest data, Decatur County, IA, has a median household income of approximately $46,000. This figure is significantly lower than the national median household income, which stands at around $68,700. It is also below the Iowa state median household income, reported to be approximately $60,700. The lower income levels in Decatur County may reflect its rural characteristics and the associated economic opportunities.

Location Median Household Income
Decatur County, IA $46,000
Iowa (State) $60,700
United States $68,700

This comparison highlights the economic disparities between this rural county and broader state and national averages.

Decatur County Crime Rates

As of the most recent data available, Decatur County, Iowa, has relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. The crime rate per 1,000 residents stands at approximately 13.2, which encompasses both violent and property crimes.

Below is a summary table of crime statistics:

Crime Type Incidents per 1,000 Residents
Violent Crime 1.7
- Murder 0.0
- Rape 0.3
- Robbery 0.1
- Assault 1.3
Property Crime 11.5
- Burglary 3.8
- Larceny-Theft 6.0
- Motor Vehicle Theft 1.7

It is advisable to review local law enforcement reports or official county publications for the most up-to-date information.