Palo Alto County

Palo Alto County, Iowa, has a population of approximately 8,904 people (2020 Census). The demographic makeup is predominantly White at around 97.7%, with minorities including Hispanic or Latino (1.5%), and smaller percentages of African American, Native American, and Asian. The median age is approximately 44.8 years. The county has about 3,863 households with an average household size of 2.3 people. The median household income is around $54,587, and about 9.6% of the population lives below the poverty line.

As of 2021, Palo Alto County, IA has a median home value of approximately $80,000. The county has about 4,385 housing units, with a homeownership rate around 80%. The average household size is 2.3 persons. Rental vacancy rates hover near 5-6%, with the median gross rent at approximately $576 per month. Real estate trends in this rural area typically show modest appreciation rates compared to urban regions. Housing affordability remains high, reflecting the area's low cost of living and economic stability.

As of the most recent update, Palo Alto County, Iowa, organizes elections primarily for local offices, school boards, and county supervisors, as well as participating in state and national elections. Voter registration stands at approximately 6,000 individuals.

Election positions can include County Supervisor, Sheriff, Treasurer, Auditor, and various city council and school board seats. For the county supervisor role, incumbents or new candidates vary by election cycle, often representing different parties including the Democratic and Republican parties. Voting turnout typically ranges from 60-70% during presidential elections and 40-50% during off-year or local elections.

For precise candidate names and upcoming election details, please refer to the Palo Alto County Auditor's Office or their official website, as candidate rosters change each election cycle.

As of the latest data, Palo Alto County, Iowa, has varying educational attainment levels. Around 91.2% of residents aged 25 and older have earned a high school diploma, slightly lower than the national average of 91.5% and comparable to the Iowa state average of 92.3%. Approximately 22.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which falls below the national average of 35% and the Iowa state average of 28%. This suggests that while primary and secondary education levels in Palo Alto County are on par with broader averages, higher education attainment lags behind both state and national figures. This discrepancy points to potential opportunities for educational development to better align with broader trends.

As of the latest data, Palo Alto County, IA has a labor force of approximately 4,150 individuals, with an unemployment rate of around 2.5%.

Top Industries in Palo Alto County:

1. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting: Dominates due to the county's extensive farmland.
2. Manufacturing: Significant, though less prominent than agriculture.
3. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Notable for both employment and service.

Comparison to National and State Averages:

• The local unemployment rate (2.5%) is lower than the national average (3.5%) and Iowa's state average (2.8%).
• Agriculture's prominence is much higher in Palo Alto County compared to the national and state levels, where diversified economies mean this sector is less dominant.
• Manufacturing and healthcare sectors align closely with state averages but remain less robust than in states with large urban centers.

These figures reflect a strong agricultural base and low unemployment compared to broader averages.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Palo Alto County, Iowa, is approximately $52,000 per year. In comparison, the average household income for the state of Iowa is around $68,000 per year, while the national average household income is approximately $87,864. This indicates that Palo Alto County falls below both state and national averages in terms of household income.

These figures highlight the economic disparities between smaller counties, the broader state context, and national benchmarks.

As of the latest available data, Palo Alto County, Iowa, has relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. The following table provides an overview of various crime types and their incidence rates per 1,000 residents:

These statistics reflect a general trend toward lower crime rates in rural counties like Palo Alto. Always refer to the latest local law enforcement or FBI reports for the most current data.