Story County Real Estate and Livability Trends
Story County, Iowa has seen average taxable income per tax return rise to $86,069.40 in 2021, suggesting potential economic growth but also increasing financial obligations due to higher state and local taxes. The median home values surged from $166,000 in 2015 to $229,100 in 2022, outpacing state and national trends, making it a possibly strong investment opportunity. The county’s poverty... Read more
Story County Market Trends
Story County, Iowa's median home values have surged from $166,000 in 2015 to $229,100 in 2022, outpacing both state and national trends, making it a potentially strong investment opportunity. Volatility in residential energy tax credits, peaking at $3,975.00 in 2018, offers insights into energy-efficient upgrades, useful for tax planning and property evaluation. A steady rise in average real... Read more
Median Value of Occupied Housing Units in Story County, Iowa Over the Last 8 Years
Story County, Iowa has experienced significant growth in median home values over the last eight years, rising from $166,000 in 2015 to $229,100 in 2022. This rate of increase generally outpaces both state and national trends, with Iowa's median home values climbing from $129,200 to $181,600, and national figures growing from $125,500 to $179,400 in the same period. This suggest potential for strong investment opportunities and may appeal to those looking to move to or build in the area.
Residential Energy Tax Credit Per Tax Return in Story County, IA Over the Last 9 Years
Story County, Iowa has seen significant fluctuations in residential energy tax credits per tax return over the past nine years, notably peaking at $3,975.00 in 2018. This volatility suggests opportunities for tax planning and highlights potential investment areas, especially around 2014 and 2021, where averages were $831.25 and $1,296.08 respectively. Such data could be valuable for insurance agents and appraisers assessing property values, as higher credits might indicate increased investments in energy-efficient upgrades. For those considering building or renovating, these insights on energy incentives could inform decisions on green technology investments.
Average Real Estate Taxes Per Tax Return in Story County, IA Over the Last 10 Years
Story County, Iowa has been witnessing a steady increase in average real estate taxes per tax return over the past decade, starting from $3,353.47 in 2012 to $5,771.43 in 2021. This trend is potentially indicative of rising property values, which can be an attractive signal for real estate investors. For construction companies and prospective homeowners, these climbing property taxes might reflect increasing demand and growth in the area, making it a noteworthy location for future development projects. Real estate agents and insurance agents might also find this trend useful for advising clients on long-term cost implications.
Percentage of Farm Returns in Story County, IA Over the Last 10 Years
In Story County, Iowa, the percentage of farm tax returns has shown a slight overall decrease over the last ten years, starting at approximately 2.84% in 2012 and dropping to around 2.51% in 2021. While there are minor fluctuations year to year, the general trend appears to lean towards a modest decline. This could indicate a shift in agricultural activity or possibly a wider economic diversification within the county. For those interested in investing, moving, or building property in Story County, understanding these dynamics might provide key insights into the local economy and land use trends.
Number of Mortgages by Occupancy Type in Story County, IA Over the Last 5 Years in Story County
Mortgages for principal residences in Story County, Iowa, show significant variability over the last five years, peaking in 2021 and dipping sharply in 2022. Investment properties experienced a more gradual decline, while second residences have remained fairly consistent but minimal. These shifts in mortgage types might hint at affordability issues or changing residential preferences, impacting county appeal for prospective buyers, investors, and real estate professionals. Appraisers and insurance agents may also find these trends critical for assessing future market values and risk profiles.
Economic Outlook
Story County, Iowa has seen a notable rise in average taxable income per tax return, hitting $86,069.40 in 2021. This shift underscores potential economic growth, drawing interest from investors and developers. However, rising state and local income taxes, from $7,620.85 in 2017 to $12,301.16 in 2021, suggest increasing financial obligations for residents. The county’s poverty rate, while improved to 23.7% in 2022, is still significantly higher than the national average of 11.6%, indicating... Read more
Average Taxable Income per Tax Return in Story County, IA over the last 9 years
Story County, Iowa has seen a generally upward trend in average taxable income per tax return over the past nine years, peaking at $86,069.40 in 2021. This increase highlights potential economic growth and improved earning potential in the area, which could be attractive to investors, property developers, and new residents. Notably, the jump between 2020 and 2021 suggests a significant economic shift, possibly linked to broader economic recovery trends or local developments.
Average State and Local Income Taxes Per Tax Return in Story County, IA Over the Last 10 Years
Story County, Iowa, has seen a noticeable uptick in average state and local income taxes per tax return over the past decade. Most notably, taxes jumped from $7,620.85 in 2017 to $11,271.92 in 2018, continuing to rise to $12,301.16 in 2021. These trends suggest increasing fiscal demands on residents and could influence decisions for potential investors or individuals considering relocation. For residents, it’s vital to weigh these rising tax obligations against the benefits of living in Story County.
Average Total Tax Liability Per Tax Return in Story County, IA Over the Last 10 Years
Reviewing the trends in Story County, Iowa over the last decade, the average total tax liability per tax return has generally shown a modest increase. Notably, there was a significant spike in 2021, reaching $13,847.69, which could be indicative of economic changes or new tax regulations impacting residents. This information is crucial for potential investors, property developers, or individuals considering a move to the county, as it can provide insights into the financial climate and tax landscape, potentially affecting long-term financial planning.
Cost of Living in Story County
| Family Size | Housing | Food | Heath Care | Child Care | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 adults 4 children | $1,394 | $1,544 | $1,953 | $1,971 | $1,792 |
| 1 adult 4 children | $1,394 | $1,261 | $1,502 | $1,971 | $1,976 |
| 2 adults 3 children | $1,394 | $1,262 | $1,690 | $1,971 | $1,520 |
| 1 adult 3 children | $1,394 | $1,030 | $1,239 | $1,971 | $1,675 |
| 2 adults 2 children | $981 | $1,033 | $1,427 | $1,734 | $1,138 |
| 1 adult 2 children | $981 | $771 | $976 | $1,734 | $1,207 |
| 2 adults 1 child | $981 | $816 | $1,164 | $962 | $965 |
| 1 adult 1 child | $981 | $527 | $714 | $962 | $845 |
| 2 adults | $862 | $656 | $901 | $0 | $710 |
| 1 adult | $800 | $358 | $451 | $0 | $601 |
Safety trends & Data
Story County, Iowa has exhibited notable fluctuations in property crime rates over the past five years, with larceny-theft peaking at 316 incidents in 2019 and vandalism seeing a recent uptick to 65 cases in 2022. Interestingly, burglary has been on a downward trend, dropping from 33 incidents in 2018 to 14 in 2022. Sporadic forgery and counterfeiting cases, which peaked at 14 in 2018 and 2019 but fell to 2 by 2021, add another layer to the region's crime dynamics. These trends may pose... Read more
Property Crime Trends in Story County, IA Over the Last 5 Years
Story County, Iowa has seen a notable fluctuation in property crimes over the past five years, with larceny-theft consistently being the most frequent crime, peaking at 316 incidents in 2019. Vandalism also saw a recent uptick, reaching 65 cases in 2022. Burglary has shown a downward trend, decreasing from 33 incidents in 2018 to just 14 in 2022. Meanwhile, forgery and counterfeiting incidents appear sporadic, with a high of 14 cases in both 2018 and 2019, but dropping to just 2 by 2021. These trends highlight potential areas of concern for investors, real estate agents, and those looking to build or insure property in the region.
Demographics
Story County, Iowa has a slightly higher male population compared to females. In terms of education, there is a significant number of residents, over 27,000, who hold a bachelor's or higher degree, reflecting a well-educated community. The age distribution highlights a large concentration of individuals aged 20-24, likely due to the presence of educational institutions, while racial composition shows a predominately white population, with notable Asian and African American... Read more
Race Distribution in Story County, Iowa (2022)
Educational Attainment in Story County, Iowa (2022)
Age Distribution in Story County, Iowa
Citizen Population in Story County, Iowa (2022)
Political Trends & Data
Story County, Iowa's real estate market could be influenced by its political landscape, as the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election results might hint at a lean towards Democratic policies. With around 57% of the vote potentially leaning Democratic, there's an implication of a community possibly favoring more progressive housing policies and development strategies. Such trends might attract buyers looking for communities aligned with these values, potentially impacting property values and... Read more
Percentage of Votes in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election by Party
Story County, Iowa, saw Democrats potentially taking the lead with around 57% of the vote in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, while Republicans may have trailed behind with close to 40%. Libertarians and other third parties seem to have played only a minor role, each gathering just small fractions of the total vote. This trend suggests a stronger Democratic presence in this Iowa county.
40.25% of voters voted for the Republican party in the 2020 Presidential Election
57.16% of voters voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential Election
1.81% 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
0.49% of voters voted for the Other party in the 2020 Presidential Election
School Data
Over the last decade, Story County, Iowa's student-to-teacher ratio has hovered above the national average, reaching almost 16 students per teacher in 2018 before dropping to just under fifteen by 2023. Larger class sizes may suggest a strain on educational resources, which could be significant for families weighing educational priorities. This trend might also impact developers and investors as it reflects on the community's potential need for more educational... Read more
Student-to-teacher ratio in Story County, Iowa over the last 10 years
Over the last decade, the student-to-teacher ratio in Story County, Iowa has seen some fluctuations, peaking at almost 16 students per teacher in 2018, before declining to just under fifteen by 2023. This ratio has largely stayed above the national average of fourteen students per teacher, which could suggest larger class sizes in local schools. This trend might be relevant for potential investors and developers as it could reflect on the demand for educational resources. For real estate agents and those considering moving to the area, understanding that class sizes tend to be marginally larger might affect decisions, especially for families prioritizing education. For insurance agents and appraisers, these numbers may indirectly highlight the community's investment in educational infrastructure.
