Cost of Living in Benton County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Benton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Benton County ranks #963 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 31%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Benton County, Iowa
Benton's prosperity outpaces housing costs
Benton County renters spend just 11.5% of income on housing—the lowest ratio in this group and well below both the national and state averages. With a median income of $84,742, Benton significantly outearns the national average of $74,755, creating genuine affordability.
Iowa's most affordable wealthy county
Benton County's 11.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks at the very top of Iowa's affordability ladder. The combination of strong median income and reasonable $815 rent creates exceptional housing security for renters.
Benton dominates by income and value
Benton County's $84,742 median income leads this entire cluster—$16K+ above Adair and $30K+ above Appanoose. Despite housing costs that reflect quality (median home value $198,400), Benton's wage advantage makes housing feel genuinely achievable.
Benton's high earners, smart housing
Renters earning $84,742 spend $815 monthly on housing (11.5% of income) while homeowners commit $1,131—the highest ownership cost in this cluster. Both figures remain sustainable against Benton's strong income, reflecting a prosperous, well-employed community.
Professionals seeking Iowa stability
If you earn above-average income and value stability, Benton County delivers both affordable rents and genuine home values. Your housing dollars stretch further here than in most of Iowa, while strong median income signals job opportunity and economic resilience.
Cost of Living Advisory: Benton County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Benton County is affordable. The median rent is $815/month against a median household income of $84,742, putting rent at 11.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Benton County pay $815/month on average, compared to $1,131/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 28%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $48,471/year. With a median household income of $84,742, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Benton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Benton County is more affordable than Clayton County by roughly 7% ($815/mo vs $764/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Benton County
Rent Burden
11.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,977
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Benton County
Median home value is $198,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,584 vs. your max of $1,977.
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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