2023 Palo Alto County, Iowa Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Palo Alto County, Iowa, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Palo Alto County, Iowa Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Palo Alto County, Iowa Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)

Key Demographic Indicators for Palo Alto County, Iowa
The following statistics highlight Palo Alto County, Iowa population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 8,902
- Median Age (Total)
- 41.5 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 40.4 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 44.0 years
Palo Alto County, Iowa Age Distribution Comparison with Iowa 2023
Compare Palo Alto County, Iowa age demographics with Iowa to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Palo Alto County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 41.5 yrs | 39.0 yrs | +2.5 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 6.14% | 5.74% | +0.4pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 17.30% | 16.70% | +0.6pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 8.27% | 9.93% | -1.7pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 21.84% | 24.07% | -2.2pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 21.89% | 18.90% | +3.0pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 82.94 | 70.47 | +12.5 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 82.94
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 42.89 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 40.05 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Palo Alto County, Iowa Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)

Diversity & Cultural Composition of Palo Alto County, Iowa
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Palo Alto County, Iowa are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 15.91
- Diversity Tier
- very low
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Iowa
Compare Palo Alto County, Iowa racial and ethnic demographics with Iowa to understand regional diversity patterns.
Palo Alto County, Iowa Diversity
15.91
very lowIowa Diversity
33.11
lowRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Palo Alto County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 91.59% | 81.18% | +10.4pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 3.29% | 7.81% | -4.5pp |
| Two or More Races | 2.66% | 3.75% | -1.1pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 1.74% | 4.06% | -2.3pp |
| Asian Alone | 0.63% | 2.57% | -1.9pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.09% | 0.20% | -0.1pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.00% | 0.18% | -0.2pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.00% | 0.24% | -0.2pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 15.91 | 33.11 | -17.2 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Palo Alto County, Iowa Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)

Economic Snapshot for Palo Alto County, Iowa
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Palo Alto County, Iowa, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $68,963 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 3,739
Income Comparison with Iowa
Compare Palo Alto County, Iowa household income with Iowa to understand regional economic patterns.
Palo Alto County, Iowa
$68,963
Iowa
$75,501
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Palo Alto County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 11.77% | 10.10% | +1.7pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 11.79% | 10.73% | +1.1pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 12.01% | 11.42% | +0.6pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 18.37% | 17.41% | +1.0pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 34.93% | 33.55% | +1.4pp |
| $150,000 or more | 11.13% | 16.78% | -5.7pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Iowa.
Palo Alto County, Iowa Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)

Real Estate Market Snapshot for Palo Alto County, Iowa
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Palo Alto County, Iowa, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $119,300
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 2,831 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Iowa
Compare Palo Alto County, Iowa property values with Iowa to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Palo Alto County, Iowa
$119,300
Iowa
$227,300
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Palo Alto County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 6.43% | 3.20% | +3.2pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 9.40% | 2.85% | +6.6pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 23.70% | 9.23% | +14.5pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 32.60% | 27.31% | +5.3pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 23.74% | 47.93% | -24.2pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 4.13% | 8.85% | -4.7pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.00% | 0.63% | -0.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Iowa.
Palo Alto County, Iowa Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)

Education Snapshot for Palo Alto County, Iowa
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Palo Alto County, Iowa, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 93.91%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 20.53%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 6,079
Education Level Comparison with Iowa
Compare Palo Alto County, Iowa educational attainment with Iowa to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Palo Alto County, Iowa
20.53%
Bachelor's+ in Iowa
32.05%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Palo Alto County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 6.09% | 7.01% | -0.9pp |
| HS Graduate | 32.26% | 29.02% | +3.2pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 41.13% | 31.92% | +9.2pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 15.50% | 21.13% | -5.6pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 5.03% | 10.92% | -5.9pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 93.91% | 92.99% | +0.9pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Iowa.
Palo Alto County, Iowa Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)

Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Palo Alto County, Iowa
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Palo Alto County, Iowa, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 5.0%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 436
- Total Civilian Population
- 8,721
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Iowa
Compare Palo Alto County, Iowa health insurance coverage with Iowa to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Palo Alto County, Iowa
5.0%
Uninsured in Iowa
5.4%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Palo Alto County, Iowa | Iowa | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 5.0% | 1.2% | 4.2% | 3.4% |
| 18-34 years | 11.1% | 2.4% | 11.5% | 8.3% |
| 35-64 years | 10.7% | 5.3% | 7.4% | 5.6% |
| 65+ years | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Palo Alto County, Iowa Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)

Citizenship Snapshot for Palo Alto County, Iowa
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Palo Alto County, Iowa, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 99.0% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 114 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 85
Citizenship Comparison with Iowa
Compare Palo Alto County, Iowa citizenship and nativity with Iowa to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Palo Alto County, Iowa
99.0%
Citizenship in Iowa
96.4%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Palo Alto County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 97.2% | 92.8% | +4.4pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.0% | 0.3% | -0.3pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.5% | 0.7% | -0.2pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 1.3% | 2.6% | -1.3pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 1.0% | 3.6% | -2.6pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 99.0% | 96.4% | +2.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Iowa.
Palo Alto County, Iowa Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)

Commuter Snapshot for Palo Alto County, Iowa
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Palo Alto County, Iowa, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 87.1%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.6%
- Work From Home Rate
- 6.2%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 4,561
Transportation Comparison with Iowa
Compare Palo Alto County, Iowa commuting patterns with Iowa to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Palo Alto County, Iowa
87.1%
Drove in Iowa
84.9%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Palo Alto County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 87.1% | 84.9% | +2.2pp |
| Public transportation | 0.6% | 0.8% | -0.2pp |
| Bicycle | 0.7% | 0.3% | +0.4pp |
| Walked | 4.3% | 3.1% | +1.2pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 1.1% | 1.0% | +0.1pp |
| Worked from home | 6.2% | 9.9% | -3.7pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Iowa.
Palo Alto County, Iowa Employment by Class of Worker (2023)

Workforce Snapshot for Palo Alto County, Iowa
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Palo Alto County, Iowa by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 4,635
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Iowa
Compare Palo Alto County, Iowa employment patterns with Iowa to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Palo Alto County, Iowa
4.8% (M) / 6.6% (F)
Government Employment in Iowa
5.8% (M) / 8.8% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Palo Alto County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 39.3% F: 29.6% | M: 40.1% F: 29.9% | M: -0.8pp F: -0.3pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 2.7% F: 6.8% | M: 2.8% F: 6.5% | M: -0.1pp F: +0.3pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 4.8% F: 6.6% | M: 5.8% F: 8.8% | M: -1.0pp F: -2.2pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 7.4% F: 2.5% | M: 3.5% F: 2.2% | M: +3.9pp F: +0.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Iowa.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Palo Alto County, Iowa Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)

Veteran Community Snapshot for Palo Alto County, Iowa
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Palo Alto County, Iowa, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 524
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
214 veterans (40.8%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Iowa
Compare Palo Alto County, Iowa veteran demographics with Iowa to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Palo Alto County, Iowa
524
Total Veterans in Iowa
166,552
- Palo Alto County, Iowa: Vietnam Era Only (40.8%)
- Iowa: Vietnam Era Only (34.8%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Palo Alto County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 40.8% (214) | 34.8% (58,027) | +6.0pp |
| Korean War Only | 14.7% (77) | 5.9% (9,768) | +8.8pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 13.5% (71) | 15.4% (25,649) | -1.9pp |
| Gulf War Only | 9.5% (50) | 13.2% (21,986) | -3.7pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 9.4% (49) | 7.5% (12,569) | +1.9pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 5.9% (31) | 14.4% (24,039) | -8.5pp |
| WWII Only | 2.7% (14) | 1.6% (2,684) | +1.1pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 1.9% (10) | 5.3% (8,842) | -3.4pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.8% (4) | 0.8% (1,379) | 0.0pp |
| Between Korean & WWII | 0.8% (4) | 0.3% (531) | +0.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Palo Alto County, Iowa Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)

Family Economic Security Snapshot for Palo Alto County, Iowa
The following data categorizes families in Palo Alto County, Iowa by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 9.6% (210 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 28.2% (615 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 62.1% (1,353 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Iowa
Compare Palo Alto County, Iowa poverty levels with Iowa to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Palo Alto County, Iowa
9.6%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Iowa
7.4%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Palo Alto County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 9.6% (210) | 7.4% (61,599) | +2.2pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 28.2% (615) | 28.1% (233,723) | +0.1pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 62.1% (1,353) | 64.5% (537,550) | -2.4pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 2.6% | 3.4% | -0.8pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 5.2% | 1.8% | +3.4pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 1.8% | 2.3% | -0.5pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 2.0% | 2.8% | -0.8pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 1.9% | 3.0% | -1.1pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 3.0% | 3.2% | -0.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Iowa.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Palo Alto County, Iowa SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)

SNAP Participation Snapshot for Palo Alto County, Iowa
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Palo Alto County, Iowa, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 342 (9.15% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 213 (62.28% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 3,739
SNAP Participation Comparison with Iowa
Compare Palo Alto County, Iowa SNAP participation with Iowa to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Palo Alto County, Iowa
9.15%
342 householdsSNAP Participation in Iowa
8.18%
109,948 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Palo Alto County, Iowa | Iowa | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 27.78% (95) | 4.39% (15) | 14.79% (16,264) | 6.66% (7,325) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 1.75% (6) | 0.00% (0) | 5.47% (6,009) | 1.63% (1,788) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 25.73% (88) | 5.56% (19) | 28.96% (31,837) | 5.34% (5,876) |
| Nonfamily Households | 7.02% (24) | 27.78% (95) | 0.38% (418) | 36.77% (40,431) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 342 (9.15% of households) | 109,948 (8.18% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.