Decatur County Real Estate and Livability Trends
In Decatur County, Iowa, average taxable income per tax return has climbed from $39,344.13 in 2013 to $51,328.30 in 2021, suggesting economic improvements that might appeal to investors and newcomers. Median home values rose from $81,500 in 2015 to $97,000 in 2022, hinting at affordable real estate investment opportunities compared to broader markets. Residential energy tax credits and real... Read more
Decatur County Market Trends
Decatur County, Iowa's median home values have risen from $81,500 in 2015 to $97,000 in 2022 but still trail state and national medians, hinting at below-market opportunities for affordable investments. Residential energy tax credits have seen notable swings, peaking at $1,683.33 in 2016 and dipping to $400.00 in 2021, reflecting inconsistent investments in energy-efficient improvements. Real... Read more
Median Value of Occupied Housing Units in Decatur County, Iowa Over the Last 8 Years
Decatur County, Iowa's median home values have seen a fluctuating yet overall upward trend, rising from $81,500 in 2015 to $97,000 in 2022. While this growth is significant for the local market, home values in Decatur County remain well below both Iowa's state median, which climbed to $181,600 in 2022, and the national median, which reached $179,400 in the same year. This disparity might indicate potential opportunities for more affordable housing investments in Decatur County compared to broader state and national markets.
Residential Energy Tax Credit Per Tax Return in Decatur County, IA Over the Last 8 Years
Decatur County, Iowa, has seen notable fluctuations in residential energy tax credits per tax return over the past eight years, with peaks in 2016 at $1683.33 and notable dips in 2017 at $750.00 and 2021 at $400.00. Investors and property developers might find value in understanding these trends as they could indicate varying levels of investment in energy-efficient home improvements, influencing property values and community sustainability efforts.
Average Real Estate Taxes Per Tax Return in Decatur County, IA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the past decade, Decatur County, Iowa has seen a notable increase in real estate taxes, with average figures rising from around $2,352.08 in 2012 to approximately $3,833.33 in 2021. This upward trend could signal a growing investment in local infrastructure or a reflection of rising property values, making it pertinent for potential investors and property buyers. For appraisers and insurance agents, understanding this trajectory can help in accurately assessing property values and risk. Real estate agents might leverage this data to advise clients on long-term commitments, while new residents should factor in the potential for continued tax increases.
Percentage of Farm Returns in Decatur County, IA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the last decade, the percentage of farm returns in Decatur County, Iowa has seen a slight ebb and flow, with values ranging from a high of around 22.01% in 2014 to a low of approximately 19.52% in 2021. Notably, this trend suggests a modest but relatively stable presence of farming activity in the local economy. Farm tax returns, which are essentially yearly reports filed by farmers detailing income and expenses related to their agricultural operations, provide valuable insights for investors, potential property owners, and residents into the vitality and sustainability of the county's farming sector. Understanding these returns can be crucial for making informed decisions about land use, investment opportunities, and future economic development in the region.
Number of Mortgages by Occupancy Type in Decatur County, IA Over the Last 5 Years in Decatur County
Decatur County, Iowa has seen noteworthy fluctuations in mortgage counts across different occupancy types over the past five years. Principal residences consistently dominate the market, showing an upward trend that culminated in a peak of 259 mortgages in 2020. Investment property mortgages, though significantly fewer in number, exhibit a steady increase, suggesting growing investor interest. Meanwhile, second residences have remained relatively stagnant, with a slight dip since 2020. These shifts could signal evolving demographics or economic conditions influencing homeownership and investment patterns, impacting investors, developers, and real estate agents who are tracking the area's property market dynamics.
Economic Outlook
Decatur County, Iowa has seen a steady rise in average taxable income per tax return, growing from $39,344.13 in 2013 to $51,328.30 in 2021. This trend could signal an improving local economy, making it attractive for investors and potential residents. However, fluctuating state and local income taxes, peaking dramatically at $14,250.00 in 2018, suggest economic variability that investors need to watch closely. Coupled with a rising total tax liability peaking at $7,373.50 in 2018, the county's... Read more
Average Taxable Income per Tax Return in Decatur County, IA over the last 9 years
Decatur County, Iowa has seen a noticeable trend in average taxable income per tax return over the past nine years, with a general upward trajectory. This growth, from $39,344.13 in 2013 to $51,328.30 in 2021, suggests a potentially improving local economy. Such an increase might interest investors, potential residents, and property developers who are keen on areas with rising income levels. However, the dip in 2019 to $47,240.59 after a peak in 2018 at $49,759.80 indicates some economic variability that could warrant closer examination.
Average State and Local Income Taxes Per Tax Return in Decatur County, IA Over the Last 10 Years
In Decatur County, Iowa, state and local income taxes per tax return have fluctuated significantly over the past decade. The average amount was $4,975.00 in 2012, but it saw a dramatic increase to a peak of $14,250.00 in 2018. Such volatility indicates a potentially unstable tax environment, which is crucial for prospective investors and residents to consider. This fluctuation could impact long-term financial planning and the overall cost of living in the area, making it essential for anyone looking to move to or invest in Decatur County to stay informed about these trends.
Average Total Tax Liability Per Tax Return in Decatur County, IA Over the Last 10 Years
In Decatur County, Iowa, the average total tax liability per tax return has shown a consistent increase over the past decade, peaking at $7,373.50 in 2018 before stabilizing to $6,523.85 in 2021. This upward trend highlights the county's growing tax base, reflective of possible economic growth and increased incomes. For investors and potential residents, this could imply a thriving local economy but also a consideration of higher tax duties.
Cost of Living in Decatur County
| Family Size | Housing | Food | Heath Care | Child Care | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 adults 4 children | $968 | $1,500 | $2,105 | $978 | $1,276 |
| 1 adult 4 children | $968 | $1,225 | $1,612 | $978 | $1,398 |
| 2 adults 3 children | $968 | $1,225 | $1,826 | $978 | $1,028 |
| 1 adult 3 children | $968 | $1,000 | $1,332 | $978 | $1,118 |
| 2 adults 2 children | $795 | $1,003 | $1,546 | $853 | $906 |
| 1 adult 2 children | $795 | $749 | $1,053 | $853 | $855 |
| 2 adults 1 child | $795 | $793 | $1,267 | $447 | $825 |
| 1 adult 1 child | $795 | $512 | $773 | $447 | $673 |
| 2 adults | $604 | $637 | $987 | $0 | $658 |
| 1 adult | $532 | $347 | $494 | $0 | $537 |
Safety trends & Data
Decatur County, Iowa, has experienced minor shifts in property crime over the past few years, with burglary incidents doubling from 1 in 2018 to 2 in 2021. Vandalism remained steady with one case annually in 2020 and 2021, while newly reported stolen property and larceny-theft incidents emerged in 2020. This evolving crime landscape could impact risk assessments for real estate investors, appraisers, and insurance... Read more
Property Crime Trends in Decatur County, IA Over the Last 3 Years
Decatur County, Iowa has seen a varied landscape in property crime over the last three years. Burglary incidents increased from 1 in 2018 to 2 in 2021, marking a slight rise in unauthorized entries. Vandalism incidents were recorded in 2020 and 2021 with just 1 incident each year. Newly reported in 2020 were incidents involving stolen property and larceny-theft, both showing minimal but noteworthy activity related to property crimes. This data could be a useful indicator for real estate investors, appraisers, and insurance agents assessing risk and security considerations for future property ventures in the area.
Demographics
Decatur County, Iowa has a nearly equal adult population divided between males and females. The county shows a significant segment of its residents as high school graduates, with a fair number pursuing some college education or higher degrees. Those under the age of 10 and seniors over 75 are the smallest demographic groups, hinting at potentially fewer young families or an aging population. The county's racial composition is predominantly White, with small percentages of other racial groups,... Read more
Race Distribution in Decatur County, Iowa (2022)
Educational Attainment in Decatur County, Iowa (2022)
Age Distribution in Decatur County, Iowa
Citizen Population in Decatur County, Iowa (2022)
Political Trends & Data
Decatur County in Iowa showed strong Republican support in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election with the GOP securing about 69% of the vote. Democrats garnered just under 30%, and other parties barely made a mark. This conservative leaning could shape local and state politics, favoring Republican policies and... Read more
Percentage of Votes in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election by Party
Decatur County in Iowa leaned strongly Republican in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, with the GOP securing roughly 69% of the vote. Democrats trailed significantly at just under 30%, while other parties collectively accounted for a minimal portion of the electorate. This distribution hints at a predominantly conservative voter base in the county, potentially influencing local and state politics in favor of Republican ideologies.
68.82% of voters voted for the Republican party in the 2020 Presidential Election
29.44% of voters voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.76% of voters voted for the Livertarian party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.29% of voters voted for the Green party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.68% of voters voted for the Other party in the 2020 Presidential Election
School Data
The student-to-teacher ratio in Decatur County, Iowa has climbed from about 10 students per teacher in 2014 to over 15 in 2023, surpassing the national average of 14. This uptick could hint at larger classroom sizes and possibly strained educational resources. For those eyeing real estate investments or relocation, this shift may affect the attractiveness of local schools and, subsequently, property values and community planning... Read more
Student-to-teacher ratio in Decatur County, Iowa over the last 10 years
The student-to-teacher ratio in Decatur County, Iowa has been steadily increasing over the past decade, moving from approximately 10 students per teacher in 2014 to over 15 in 2023. This trend suggests growing classroom sizes, contrasting with the current US national average of 14 students per teacher. For prospective investors, real estate agents, and those considering relocation, such changes could impact the appeal of local schools. A higher ratio might indicate strained resources or evolving demographics, which may influence property values, insurance considerations, and community planning.
