Obrien County Demographics

O'Brien County, IA, has a population of approximately 13,573. The racial composition is predominantly White at 94.7%, with Hispanic or Latino making up 5.1%, and smaller percentages of Asian, African American, and Native American residents. The median household income is about $52,000, and the poverty rate stands at 9.5%. The county has an age distribution with around 21% under 18, 54% between 18-64, and 25% aged 65 or older. Educational attainment includes about 90% high school graduates and 20% with a bachelor's degree or higher.

(Note: Data may vary slightly based on the latest statistics from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau.)

Obrien County Housing

O'Brien County, IA has a median home value of approximately $111,700. The homeownership rate stands at about 79.6%. The median household income is around $55,300. Housing units are approximately 6,300 with a vacancy rate near 8.9%. The average rent is about $633 per month. The county sees a mix of owner-occupied and renter-occupied units, with roughly 21.4% of housing units being rented.

Elections in Obrien County

As of the latest elections, O'Brien County, Iowa, participates in federal, state, and local elections. It features candidates for various offices, including the U.S. President, U.S. Senate and House, Iowa Governor, state legislative seats, and county positions such as the Board of Supervisors, Sheriff, and County Auditor.

In the last general election (2022), voter turnout was approximately 65%. Republican and Democratic candidates typically compete for major offices. For example, State Senate District 3 saw Republican Lynn Evans winning with around 70% of the vote, while Democrat Whitney Mixdorf received about 30%. In the Board of Supervisors races, Republicans often dominate; in 2022, Republican Nancy McDowell secured one of the supervisor seats unopposed. Local elections can vary in competitiveness, with some seats occasionally uncontested.

Note: Specific candidate names and results for every office and election cycle vary. For detailed and updated information, the O'Brien County Auditor's office or official website should be consulted.

How Educated in Obrien County

As of the latest data, O'Brien County, IA, shows educational attainment levels that reflect its rural character. Approximately 91% of residents aged 25 and over have completed high school, slightly above the national average of around 88%. However, the percentage of O'Brien County residents with a bachelor's degree or higher is approximately 18%, which is below both the Iowa state average of 29% and the national average of 33%. The county also sees a notable portion of its population engaging in vocational and technical training, aligning with its agricultural and manufacturing industries. Overall, while high school completion rates are commendable, higher education attainment lags behind broader state and national trends.

Obrien County Employment Rate

O'Brien County, IA, had an estimated population of around 14,000 in 2020. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county had an employment rate of approximately 63.7%, close to the national average of 63.4%, and slightly above Iowa's state average of 65%.

Top industries in O'Brien County include:

  1. Manufacturing: 21% of employment (higher than both the national average of 8.5% and Iowa's 14.4%).
  2. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting: 12% of employment (well above the national average of around 1.4% and the state average of 6.2%).
  3. Health Care and Social Assistance: 14% of employment (slightly below the national average of 16% and close to Iowa's 15%).

These values reflect the county's strong agricultural and manufacturing base, which contrasts with more diversified economies at the state and national levels.

Average Income in Obrien County

As of the latest data, O'Brien County, Iowa, has an average household income of approximately $61,102. In comparison, the median household income for the state of Iowa is around $68,718, while the national average is roughly $70,784 according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Income Statistics Table:

Location Average Household Income
O'Brien County, IA $61,102
Iowa (State) $68,718
United States $70,784

O'Brien County's average income is lower than both the state and national averages. These differences may reflect the regional economic factors and cost of living variations within the county compared to broader benchmarks.

Obrien County Crime Rates

As of the most recent data available, O'Brien County, IA, exhibits relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. Here are some statistics:

Summary of Crime Rates in O'Brien County, IA (per 1,000 residents)

Crime Type Rate per 1,000 Residents
Violent Crime 0.8
Property Crime 6.5
Burglary 1.8
Larceny-Theft 3.5
Motor Vehicle Theft 1.2
Arson 0.1

Key Highlights:

  • Total Violent Crimes: Low, with a rate of 0.8 per 1,000 residents, significantly below the national average.
  • Total Property Crimes: Moderate, with 6.5 incidents per 1,000 residents.
  • Most Common Crime: Larceny-theft, at a rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents.