Buchanan County Real Estate and Livability Trends
Buchanan County, Iowa has experienced notable economic improvements, with average taxable income per tax return rising from $55,273 in 2013 to $73,076 in 2021. The median home values have also climbed from $126,600 in 2015 to $166,200 in 2022, reflecting robust growth. Despite fluctuations in tax credits for residential energy and rising real estate taxes, the stabilization of total tax liability... Read more
Buchanan County Market Trends
The median home values in Buchanan County, Iowa, have climbed from $126,600 in 2015 to $166,200 in 2022, reflecting a robust, albeit slightly trailing, growth compared to state averages. Tax credits for residential energy have shown erratic spikes and drops, hitting a high of $1,090.00 in 2019 but falling to $723.08 in 2021, complicating financial planning for eco-conscious investments. Real... Read more
Median Value of Occupied Housing Units in Buchanan County, Iowa Over the Last 8 Years
The median home values in Buchanan County, Iowa, have seen a consistent upward trend over the past 8 years, jumping from $126,600 in 2015 to $166,200 in 2022. This local growth mirrors but somewhat lags behind the state median, which surged from $129,200 to $181,600 in the same period. While Buchanan County's numbers are aligned with broader trends, they remain below both state and national medians, suggesting potential investment opportunities for those looking to capitalize on comparatively lower but steadily rising property values. Expect similar upward trajectories in the foreseeable future, indicating resilient demand and stable growth in this rural market.
Residential Energy Tax Credit Per Tax Return in Buchanan County, IA Over the Last 8 Years
In Buchanan County, Iowa, the residential energy tax credit per tax return has shown variability over the past eight years, with notable peaks in 2014 at $851.85 and 2019 at $1,090.00. Despite these highs, there were substantial decreases, particularly in 2016 and 2021, when the average credit per return dropped to $675.00 and $723.08, respectively. Such fluctuations indicate that while there are opportunities for significant tax credits, the inconsistency may impact long-term financial planning for residents and investors focusing on energy-efficient properties.
Average Real Estate Taxes Per Tax Return in Buchanan County, IA Over the Last 10 Years
Average real estate taxes per tax return in Buchanan County, Iowa, have shown a general upward trend over the past decade, starting at approximately $2,460.79 in 2012 and reaching around $3,941.94 by 2021. This steady increase likely reflects broader economic factors, making it crucial for prospective property buyers and investors to consider the rising costs when evaluating potential properties. Appraisers and insurance agents should also factor in these progressing tax rates when assessing property value and coverage options. Real estate agents and residents may want to stay informed about these trends, as they could impact market dynamics and living costs in the area.
Percentage of Farm Returns in Buchanan County, IA Over the Last 10 Years
In Buchanan County, Iowa, the percentage of farm tax returns has remained relatively stable around 10.69% over the last decade, with slight fluctuations peaking at 11.08% in 2015. This consistency suggests a steady agricultural sector, which could be an indicator of enduring farmland investment opportunities. Farm tax returns can reflect the economic health and profitability of agricultural activities, essential for prospective investors analyzing local market stability and for those considering building properties with agricultural potential. Understanding these trends can also offer insights into the economic landscape for residents and business planners looking to engage with the local agricultural community.
Number of Mortgages by Occupancy Type in Buchanan County, IA Over the Last 5 Years in Buchanan County
In Buchanan County, Iowa, mortgage counts for principal residences saw considerable fluctuations, peaking in 2020 with 1,291 before dipping to 895 in 2022. Investment properties maintained a relatively stable but lower range, hovering just above 50 mortgages annually. Second residences saw minimal activity, peaking at 12 in 2018 but plunging to as low as 1 in 2021. These shifts in occupancy type can indicate changing residential patterns and investment behaviors, providing valuable context for investors, builders, and real estate agents seeking to navigate and capitalize on the local market dynamics.
Economic Outlook
Buchanan County, Iowa has experienced a substantial rise in average taxable income per tax return, going from around $55,273 in 2013 to about $73,076 in 2021, hinting at potential economic improvements. The jump between 2020 and 2021, from approximately $64,435 to $73,076, may indicate a surge in income opportunities or other contributing factors. Meanwhile, state and local income taxes have seen notable fluctuations, peaking at $11,427.27 in 2019 but showing a recent decline, settling at... Read more
Average Taxable Income per Tax Return in Buchanan County, IA over the last 9 years
Over the past nine years, Buchanan County, Iowa has seen a notable upward trend in average taxable income per tax return, rising from around $55,273 in 2013 to approximately $73,076 in 2021. This could suggest an improving economic situation in the county, which may be of interest to potential investors, homebuyers, and developers looking for areas with growing financial health. The significant jump between 2020 at about $64,435 and 2021 might indicate either a surge in income opportunities or other economic factors impacting the residents' earnings.
Average State and Local Income Taxes Per Tax Return in Buchanan County, IA Over the Last 10 Years
In the past decade, Buchanan County, Iowa has seen significant fluctuations in average state and local income taxes per tax return, climbing from approximately $5,535.35 in 2012 to a peak of $11,427.27 in 2019. These dynamics could signal changes in local economic conditions or tax policies, influencing the financial planning for potential investors, residents, and property developers. The most recent years indicate a slight decrease, with 2021 showing an average of $8,509.68, suggesting potential stabilization after earlier volatility.
Average Total Tax Liability Per Tax Return in Buchanan County, IA Over the Last 10 Years
In Buchanan County, Iowa, the average total tax liability per tax return has hovered between $7,800 and $8,500 over much of the last decade, with a notable spike to $10,406.16 in 2021. This data indicates a relatively stable tax burden, apart from the recent increase, which could suggest economic changes or policy adjustments affecting taxpayers. Investors or potential residents may find the recent uptick in tax liability significant when considering financial planning or property investment in the area.
Cost of Living in Buchanan County
| Family Size | Housing | Food | Heath Care | Child Care | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 adults 4 children | $1,058 | $1,387 | $1,805 | $1,123 | $1,256 |
| 1 adult 4 children | $1,058 | $1,133 | $1,380 | $1,123 | $1,385 |
| 2 adults 3 children | $1,058 | $1,133 | $1,566 | $1,123 | $1,008 |
| 1 adult 3 children | $1,058 | $925 | $1,141 | $1,123 | $1,135 |
| 2 adults 2 children | $852 | $928 | $1,328 | $980 | $893 |
| 1 adult 2 children | $852 | $693 | $902 | $980 | $874 |
| 2 adults 1 child | $852 | $733 | $1,089 | $513 | $814 |
| 1 adult 1 child | $852 | $474 | $664 | $513 | $707 |
| 2 adults | $647 | $589 | $851 | $0 | $657 |
| 1 adult | $643 | $321 | $425 | $0 | $569 |
Safety trends & Data
Buchanan County, Iowa's property crime rates have shown notable variability over the past five years, particularly in larceny-theft, which peaked at 33.00 incidents in 2018 before declining to 12.00 in both 2021 and 2022. Burglary and vandalism rates have also decreased since 2019, indicating potential improvements in preventive measures. However, a substantial rise in fraud incidents to 18.00 in 2022 underscores new challenges. These patterns provide valuable insights for potential investors,... Read more
Property Crime Trends in Buchanan County, IA Over the Last 5 Years
Buchanan County, Iowa has seen fluctuating property crime rates over the past five years, with notable variability in specific categories. Larceny-theft is consistently the highest reported crime, peaking in 2018 with 33.00 incidents and dropping to 12.00 in 2021 and 2022. Burglary and vandalism rates have shown some reduction, particularly from 2019 to 2021, suggesting improved preventive measures. Fraud incidents spiked sharply to 18.00 in 2022, marking a significant increase from the previous years. These trends offer crucial insights for potential investors, real estate agents, and local residents regarding the evolving safety landscape and potential focal points for community and neighborhood protection efforts.
Demographics
In Buchanan County, Iowa, the adult population leans slightly more male, with a near-even split between genders. Educational attainment highlights a strong high school completion rate, though fewer residents progress to graduate or professional degrees. Age distribution data indicates a broad range, with notable populations in both young children and those over 55. The county remains predominantly White, with other races representing a small fraction of the overall... Read more
Race Distribution in Buchanan County, Iowa (2022)
Educational Attainment in Buchanan County, Iowa (2022)
Age Distribution in Buchanan County, Iowa
Citizen Population in Buchanan County, Iowa (2022)
Political Trends & Data
Buchanan County, Iowa, leaned heavily Republican in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, with the GOP capturing nearly 60% of the vote. Democrats trailed at around 39%, and third-party candidates, including Libertarians and the Green Party, barely made a dent, indicating minimal support for alternative political platforms. This political climate could influence both community priorities and future real estate market stability in the... Read more
Percentage of Votes in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election by Party
Buchanan County, Iowa, showed a significant leaning towards the Republican party in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, with close to 60% of the vote. Democrats lagged behind, receiving nearly 39%, while third-party candidates garnered minimal support, with Libertarians just under 1% and Green Party votes almost negligible. This suggests a political landscape heavily tilted towards the Republicans, with limited traction for alternative parties.
59.68% of voters voted for the Republican party in the 2020 Presidential Election
38.70% of voters voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.89% of voters voted for the Livertarian party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.19% of voters voted for the Green party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.55% of voters voted for the Other party in the 2020 Presidential Election
School Data
Buchanan County, Iowa has seen the student-to-teacher ratio drop from around 20-to-1 in 2014 to roughly 14-to-1 in 2023. This trend could signal increased investment in education, smaller class sizes, or demographic shifts, which might appeal to families and positively impact local real estate values. The alignment of the ratio with the national average indicates potentially improved education quality, making the area more attractive for prospective buyers and investors. This could also... Read more
Student-to-teacher ratio in Buchanan County, Iowa over the last 10 years
Buchanan County, Iowa has seen a notable decrease in the student-to-teacher ratio over the past decade, dropping from a high of approximately 20 students per teacher in 2014 to about 14 in 2023. This trend might suggest increasing investment in education, smaller class sizes, or demographic shifts that impact school enrollment. For those looking to move to Buchanan County or invest in property, this can be a draw, as smaller class sizes often indicate a more favorable educational environment. This ratio now aligns closely with the national average of 14 students per teacher, which could be an indicator of improved educational quality, potentially affecting real estate values positively and making the area more attractive to families. For appraisers and insurance agents, this may also signal a community with strong educational infrastructure, availing better risk profiles and informed valuation.
