Cost of Living in Audubon County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Audubon County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Audubon County ranks #616 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 20%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Audubon County, Iowa
Audubon's affordability holds steady
Audubon County renters spend 15.7% of income on housing, slightly above Iowa's 14.1% average but well below national sustainability concerns. Against the national median income of $74,755, Audubon's $54,152 creates relative pressure despite modest rents.
Middle-of-the-pack Iowa affordability
Audubon County ranks in Iowa's middle tier for housing affordability at 15.7% rent-to-income. The $707 median rent runs $105 cheaper than the state average of $812, providing modest savings for renters.
Audubon undercuts most rural peers
Audubon's $707 rent is the second-lowest in this cluster—only Allamakee's $717 beats it—yet Audubon's income of $54,152 is lower, pushing the rent burden to 15.7%. Compared to Adams ($909) and Appanoose ($779), Audubon clearly offers better rental value.
Modest income, modest rents
With median income at $54,152, Audubon renters allocate $707 monthly to housing (15.7% of income) while homeowners spend $683. The lower ownership costs suggest buying is genuinely affordable here—a potential path to stability.
First-time homebuyers: Audubon welcomes you
Audubon County offers surprisingly affordable ownership at $683 monthly, paired with low home values of $110,400. If you're ready to transition from renting, this county provides a genuine entry point into homeownership.
Cost of Living Advisory: Audubon County
Affordability Verdict
Audubon County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $707/month — about 15.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $707/month rent versus $683/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $24/month cheaper — a 3% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,271/year. With a median household income of $54,152, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Audubon County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Audubon County is less affordable than Jones County by roughly 7% ($707/mo vs $759/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Audubon County
Rent Burden
15.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,264
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Audubon County
Median home value is $110,400. Estimated monthly cost: $881 vs. your max of $1,264.
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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