Story County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Story County, IA, had a population of approximately 98,105. The racial composition was about 85.8% White, 5.5% Asian, 3.7% Black or African American, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.1% Two or More Races. The median household income was around $61,722, and about 16.7% of the population were living below the poverty line. The county seat is Nevada, although the largest city is Ames, home to Iowa State University. The median age was around 26.4 years, reflecting the significant student population attending the university.

As of recent data, Story County, IA, has a median home value of approximately $218,000. The median rent is around $850 per month. The county's homeownership rate stands at about 62%, and rental vacancy rates hover around 6%. Story County exhibits a mix of urban and rural housing, with Ames being the largest city, where the cost of living is slightly higher due to Iowa State University. Property tax rates average 1.44% of home value.

Sources: Zillow, U.S. Census Bureau

Story County, IA, often features a variety of candidates and positions during election cycles. For the 2022 general election, key races included county supervisors, sheriff, and state legislative seats. Voter turnout was significant, with 32,572 ballots cast out of 65,896 registered voters, yielding a turnout rate of approximately 49.4%.

County Supervisor Race:

• Lucy Martin (Democrat)
• Linda Murken (Democrat, incumbent)
• Steve O'Rourke (Republican)

Sheriff Race:

• Paul H. Fitzgerald (Democrat, incumbent)
• Michael J. Ash (Republican)

State Legislative Seats:

• State Senate District 23: Herman Quirmbach (Democrat) vs. Jesse Green (Republican)
• State House District 45: Beth Wessel-Kroeschell (Democrat, incumbent) vs. Robert Singleton (Republican)

These races highlight the competitive political landscape in Story County, reflecting a balanced mix of incumbents and new challengers. For precise data and results, visit the Story County Auditor’s official website or contact their office.

As of the latest available data, Story County, IA, shows strong educational attainment. Approximately 96.4% of residents aged 25 and older have completed high school, compared to the national average of 88.5% and the Iowa state average of 92.1%. Furthermore, about 49.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly above the national average of 33.1% and the state average of 29.3%. This high level of educational attainment is influenced by the presence of Iowa State University, a major research institution located in Ames, the county's largest city. Hence, Story County can be considered more educated than both national and state averages.

As of 2021, Story County, IA, had an employment rate of about 65.0%. The top industries are Education Services, Health Care and Social Assistance (27.9%), Manufacturing (13.5%), and Retail Trade (10.9%). In comparison, for the state of Iowa, top industries are Manufacturing (17.9%), Health Care and Social Assistance (15.2%), and Retail Trade (12.1%). Nationally, the leading industries include Health Care and Social Assistance (14.8%), Retail Trade (11.7%), and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (6.3%).

Story County has a higher concentration in Education Services, largely due to Iowa State University. The manufacturing sector in Story County is below the state average but aligns closely with the national trend. Retail trade employment is slightly below both state and national percentages. The emphasis on education and related services in Story County is a distinct characteristic compared to broader industrial patterns.

As of recent data, the average household income in Story County, IA, is approximately $72,000. When compared to the national average household income of around $68,700, Story County's average is slightly higher. On a state level, Iowa's average household income stands at roughly $61,000, making Story County's average notably higher than the state average.

Income Comparisons

These figures show that Story County generally enjoys a better-than-average income level compared to both state and national averages.

As of the latest available data, Story County, IA, has a crime rate of approximately 1,519 incidents per 100,000 residents. This rate includes both violent and property crimes.

For a clearer picture, here's a breakdown of crime types and their respective frequencies:

These values indicate that property crimes, particularly larceny-theft, are the most common in Story County. Efforts to enhance law enforcement and community programs are ongoing to address and mitigate these issues.