Cost of Living in Adair County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Adair County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Adair County ranks #403 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Adair County, Iowa
Adair's housing costs beat the nation
Renters in Adair County spend just 13.2% of their income on housing, well below the national benchmark—most affordability experts flag 30% as the sustainability ceiling. This county outperforms the typical American household and sits comfortably below Iowa's state average of 14.1%.
Most affordable county in Iowa
Adair County ranks among the most affordable counties statewide with its 13.2% rent-to-income ratio. The county's median rent of $730 undercuts the state average of $812, making it an exceptional value in Iowa's housing market.
Adair leads nearby rural counties
Adair's $730 median rent is $82 cheaper than Allamakee County's $717—wait, Allamakee actually edges Adair out at just 13.0% of income. Both counties substantially undercut Appanoose County's higher rent burden of 18.3%, reflecting Adair's position as a genuinely affordable rural anchor.
Where Adair's $66K income goes
Renters allocate $730 monthly to housing while homeowners spend $921, against a median income of $66,176 annually. Housing consumes roughly 13% of renter income and 17% for homeowners—both sustainable and well-managed.
Remote workers: consider Adair
If you're relocating for flexibility or retiring on a fixed income, Adair County offers genuine affordability without sacrificing community. Your housing dollars stretch further here than in 95% of America, freeing up income for healthcare, savings, or quality of life.
Cost of Living Advisory: Adair County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Adair County is affordable. The median rent is $730/month against a median household income of $66,176, putting rent at 13.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $730/month rent versus $921/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $191/month cheaper — a 21% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $39,471/year. With a median household income of $66,176, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Adair County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Montgomery County where rent averages $782/month, Adair County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Adair County
Rent Burden
13.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,544
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Adair County
Median home value is $140,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,122 vs. your max of $1,544.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Counties with Similar Housing Costs
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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