Pottawattamie County

Pottawattamie County, IA, has an estimated population of around 93,000 as of 2020. The racial composition is predominantly White (non-Hispanic), making up approximately 88.4%, followed by Hispanic or Latino at 5%, and African American at 1.9%. The median household income is roughly $60,000. The county covers an area of around 958 square miles with a population density of about 97 people per square mile. The largest city and county seat is Council Bluffs.

As of the most recent data, Pottawattamie County, IA has a median home value of approximately $147,500. The homeownership rate stands around 69%, with an average of 2.49 persons per household. The median gross rent is about $790 per month. The county has seen moderate housing market growth, with home values increasing by around 3.1% annually. The overall vacancy rate is close to 7.6%. New constructions and developments are contributing to the gradually increasing housing inventory.

Pottawattamie County, IA, has elections for various local, state, and federal offices. The county is divided into precincts, each with designated polling places. Voter turnout percentages fluctuate depending on the type of election (e.g., general, primary, special). For instance, during a notable general election, turnout might exceed 60%.

In recent elections, offices up for grabs include County Board of Supervisors, Sheriff, and various city council and school board positions. For state-level representation, residents vote for Iowa's House and Senate districts, and at the federal level, they participate in U.S. House and Senate elections.

Candidates vary by election cycle. For instance, in a prior general election, candidates for the County Board of Supervisors included incumbents and newcomers from both major parties (e.g., Republican and Democratic). Sheriff's races might feature candidates with varying law enforcement experience. Always check the Pottawattamie County Auditor's website for up-to-date details, candidate lists, and official election results.

Pottawattamie County, IA has a range of educational attainment levels among its residents. According to the latest data, approximately 89% of adults have a high school diploma or higher, which is slightly below the national average of 91%. About 21% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33% and the Iowa state average of 28%. The high school dropout rate in the county hovers around 6%, which is higher than the national average of 5%.

In summary, Pottawattamie County has a lower level of educational attainment compared to both national and state averages, particularly in higher education degrees.

Pottawattamie County, IA, has a workforce predominantly engaged in sectors such as healthcare, retail trade, and manufacturing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and local economic reports, healthcare and social assistance employ approximately 18% of the workforce, retail trade about 13%, and manufacturing around 10%. Education services, accommodation, and food services also contribute significantly to employment.

When compared to national averages, healthcare’s share is slightly higher in Pottawattamie County than the national average of 16%. Manufacturing's share is comparable to the national average of around 10%. Retail trade employment in Pottawattamie is somewhat higher than the national average of 10.5%.

At the state level, Iowa also sees a strong presence in these sectors. However, the manufacturing sector has a more substantial footprint statewide at roughly 18%. The county's specific emphasis differs slightly, with a stronger retail trade presence.

As of recent data:

• Pottawattamie County, IA:

  • Median Household Income: approximately $60,000
  • Per Capita Income: around $30,000

• Iowa State:

  • Median Household Income: roughly $62,000
  • Per Capita Income: about $32,000

• United States:

  • Median Household Income: approximately $68,700
  • Per Capita Income: around $34,100

Pottawattamie County's income levels are below both the state and national averages.

Conclusively, Pottawattamie County lags slightly behind the state and significantly behind the national income averages.

As of the most recent data available, Pottawattamie County, IA, has experienced the following crime statistics per 1,000 residents:

In total, the county's crime rate is 29.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. The violent crime rate is relatively low, while property crimes constitute the bulk of reported incidents. Efforts are ongoing to reduce crime through various community and law enforcement initiatives. Note that these figures can fluctuate yearly and it’s advisable to consult the latest reports or local law enforcement for the most current data.