Cost of Living in Boone County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Boone County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Boone County, Iowa
Boone balances income and housing well
Boone County renters spend just 12.4% of income on housing, below both Iowa's 14.1% average and the national sustainability threshold. With median income at $79,741—above the national average of $74,755—the county delivers genuine housing security.
Among Iowa's most affordable counties
Boone County's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks near the very top of Iowa's affordability spectrum. The $826 median rent, paired with strong median income, creates one of the state's best housing bargains.
Boone competes with Benton for value
Boone County's $79,741 median income trails Benton's $84,742 but far exceeds most rural peers like Adair ($66,176) and Appanoose ($51,146). The $826 rent sits in the mid-range, making Boone's income-to-cost ratio one of the cluster's strongest.
Strong income supports quality housing
Boone renters earning $79,741 spend $826 monthly on housing (12.4% of income) while homeowners commit $1,128. Homeownership costs run high (reflecting a $191,200 median home value), but strong income sustains both renting and buying comfortably.
Boone: prosperity meets affordability
If you're relocating within Iowa and want above-average income potential with below-average housing strain, Boone County delivers. Your housing costs stay modest while the county's economic strength signals job stability and community investment.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Boone County
Rent Burden
12.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,861
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Boone County
Median home value is $191,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,526 vs. your max of $1,861.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.