Cost of Living in Appanoose County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Appanoose County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Appanoose County ranks #1,733 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Appanoose County, Iowa
Appanoose faces serious affordability strain
Appanoose County renters spend 18.3% of income on housing—well above the 30% crisis threshold and significantly above Iowa's 14.1% average. With a median income of $51,146, the county's lowest earnings among these peers create real housing hardship.
Among Iowa's least affordable counties
Appanoose County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio places it in Iowa's most strained housing markets. The combination of below-average income and above-average rent creates measurable affordability challenges for renters.
Appanoose rents pinch hardest
At $779, Appanoose County's median rent is $62 above Adair, $179 below Adams, yet paired with the region's lowest income of $51,146. This toxic combination—high rent, low wages—makes Appanoose objectively the least affordable in this cluster.
Income crisis meets housing cost
Renters earning $51,146 annually spend $779 monthly on housing—18.3% of gross income—while homeowners pay $800. Both renting and owning consume large portions of household budgets, leaving limited margin for other essentials.
Appanoose demands fiscal clarity
Before relocating to Appanoose County, run detailed numbers on your income against these housing costs. If your job doesn't match the county's wage levels, you'll feel the squeeze—nearby counties like Adair offer substantially better affordability for the same region.
Cost of Living Advisory: Appanoose County
Affordability Verdict
Appanoose County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $779/month — about 18.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Appanoose County pay $779/month on average, compared to $800/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,286/year. With a median household income of $51,146, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Appanoose County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Appanoose County sits 7% more expensive than Crawford County ($727/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Appanoose County
Rent Burden
18.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,193
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Appanoose County
Median home value is $119,800. Estimated monthly cost: $956 vs. your max of $1,193.
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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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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