Salary & Cost of Living in Council Bluffs, IA
Council Bluffs, IA: $40,890 median salary, cost of living index 85.2, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$40,890
$20/hr
Cost of Living
85.2
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3.3%
rate
Council Bluffs, IA Overview
Population
62,230
Median Salary
$40,890
Average Salary
$45,797
Avg Commute
20 min
Median Home Price
$165,000
Median Rent
$691/mo
Job Growth
+2.1%
Sales Tax
6%
Council Bluffs is located in Iowa with a population of 62,230. The median household salary is $40,890 per year ($20/hour), which is $18,494 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.1%.
Council Bluffs Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Council Bluffs, IA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$32,563
$2,713.57/month · $1,252.42/biweekly · Effective Rate: 20.4%
Gross Pay
$40,890
Federal Tax
-$2,868
State Tax
-$2,331
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,128
Net Pay
$32,563
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $3,407.50 | $40,890.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$239.03 | -$2,868.30 |
| Iowa State Tax (5.7%) | -$194.23 | -$2,330.73 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$211.27 | -$2,535.18 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$49.41 | -$592.91 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $2,713.57 | $32,562.89 |
Salary Comparison: Council Bluffs vs Other Cities
See how Council Bluffs's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council Bluffs, IA | $40,890 | 85.2 | $47,993 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Corvallis, OR | $40,886 | 108.5 | $37,683 |
| Dubuque, IA | $40,886 | 85.5 | $47,820 |
| Bossier City, LA | $40,898 | 87.8 | $46,581 |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $40,879 | 105.2 | $38,858 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Council Bluffs
Council Bluffs's cost of living index is 85.2 (national average = 100). Living in Council Bluffs is 14.799999999999997% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$165,000
Median Monthly Rent
$691
Annual Rent Cost
$8,292
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $32,563 annual take-home pay in Council Bluffs has the purchasing power of approximately $38,219 in an average-cost US area. Your $40,890 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Council Bluffs
Council Bluffs's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $40,890.
Salary Tips for Council Bluffs Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Council Bluffs has a cost of living 14.799999999999997% below the national average. A salary of $40,890 here has the purchasing power of about $47,993 in an average-cost area.
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.7% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Council Bluffs's top industries include Agriculture, Manufacturing, Insurance. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $40,890 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Council Bluffs, IA?
The median salary in Council Bluffs, IA is $40,890 per year, or $20 per hour. The average salary is $45,797. This is $18,494 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Council Bluffs, IA?
Council Bluffs's cost of living index is 85.2 (national average = 100), meaning it is 14.799999999999997% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $165,000 and the median monthly rent is $691.
What are the best industries in Council Bluffs?
The top industries in Council Bluffs, IA include Agriculture, Manufacturing, Insurance. The city has a job growth rate of 2.1% and an unemployment rate of 3.3%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $40,890.
How does Council Bluffs's salary compare to other cities?
Council Bluffs's median salary of $40,890 is 31.1% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 85.2), the real purchasing power is approximately $47,993.
What is the minimum wage in Council Bluffs, IA?
The minimum wage in Council Bluffs, IA is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.