The means test in Iowa: median income

The Iowa median income table and the first step of the means test.

Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.

Short answer

The U.S. Trustee Program publishes these medians for Iowa. Income below the median for your household size passes the first step.

1 person
$67,617
2 people
$88,800
3 people
$104,133
4 people
$126,058
Each extra person
+$11,100
Medians apply to cases filed on or after
April 1, 2026

Iowa median income check

Official Form 122A-1 compares your household's yearly income with the median income in Iowa. Here are the official medians:

  • 1 person$67,617
  • 2 people$88,800
  • 3 people$104,133
  • 4 people$126,058
  • Each extra person+$11,100

Applies to cases filed on or after April 1, 2026. 1 = one earner; 2, 3, 4 = people in the household; add = amount added for each person over 4

The numbers are worked out in your browser. Nothing you enter here is saved or sent.

Before taxes. Add up all income for the last 6 months and divide by 6.

Enter your household size and income

Iowa bankruptcy courts and divisions

You file in the federal district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. Your county decides the district and division: Northern District county list at https://www.ianb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-locations and Southern District county list at https://www.iasb.uscourts.gov/divisional-map-counties.

Law: 28 U.S.C. 1408

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Iowa

Divisions: Cedar Rapids, Sioux City (clerk's offices); Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Mason City, Waterloo (hearing locations)

Clerk's phone: 319-286-2200

Court's self-help page

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Iowa

Divisions: Western, Central, Eastern (clerk's office in Des Moines)

Clerk's phone: (515) 284-6230

Court's self-help page

Iowa exemptions in brief

In Iowa you use state exemptions only (exemptions are the property the law lets you keep).

Home (homestead): unlimited value — up to 1/2 acre inside a city plat, or up to 40 acres elsewhere.

Car or other vehicle: $7,000 in one motor vehicle.

Wildcard (any property): $1,000 total in cash, bank or credit union accounts, or any other personal property.

Exemptions in Iowa

In nearby states

  • Wisconsin: 1 person $71,168 · 2 people $90,252 · 3 people $108,516 · 4 people $133,384
  • Illinois: 1 person $73,180 · 2 people $93,934 · 3 people $113,625 · 4 people $137,902
  • Missouri: 1 person $64,972 · 2 people $82,075 · 3 people $100,228 · 4 people $118,530
  • Minnesota: 1 person $77,696 · 2 people $98,328 · 3 people $126,487 · 4 people $149,882
  • Nebraska: 1 person $66,922 · 2 people $90,728 · 3 people $103,405 · 4 people $125,074
  • Kansas: 1 person $69,197 · 2 people $87,441 · 3 people $103,852 · 4 people $125,971

Your next steps in Iowa

  1. Total your income

    Collect proof of all income for the last 6 months.

  2. Do the official first step

    The official first step is Official Form 122A-1.

  3. When income is higher

    The second step subtracts allowed expenses on Official Form 122A-2.

  4. Find your court

    You file the forms in Northern District and Southern District.

Free help in Iowa

Questions about the means test in Iowa

Can I keep my house in bankruptcy in Iowa?

Unlimited value. Up to 1/2 acre inside a city plat, or up to 40 acres elsewhere.

Which bankruptcy court do I use in Iowa?

You file in the federal district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. Your county decides the district and division: Northern District county list at https://www.ianb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-locations and Southern District county list at https://www.iasb.uscourts.gov/divisional-map-counties.

What are the Iowa means test numbers?

For cases filed on or after April 1, 2026: 1 person: $67,617; 2 people: $88,800; 3 people: $104,133; 4 people: $126,058; Each extra person: +$11,100.

Is there free bankruptcy help in Iowa?

Iowa Legal Aid, Iowa State Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project and Iowa State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service.

More for Iowa