Cost of Living in Bremer County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bremer County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bremer County ranks #715 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bremer County, Iowa
Bremer rents beat the national average
At 12.2%, Bremer County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national benchmark and well ahead of Iowa's 14.1% average. Renters here spend significantly less of their paycheck on housing than typical American households, making it one of the more affordable rental markets in the region.
Top-tier affordability in Iowa
Bremer County ranks among Iowa's most affordable counties for renters, with a 12.2% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average by nearly 2 percentage points. The county's median household income of $83,343 provides strong cushion against housing costs.
Bremer's sweet spot in Northeast Iowa
Neighboring Buchanan County ($802 rent) and Cedar County ($860 rent) offer comparable options, but Bremer's $844 monthly rent paired with the highest median income ($83,343) in this cluster makes it the most forgiving for renters. Just to the west, Calhoun County ($690 rent) undercuts Bremer on housing costs but with $17,000 less in annual income.
Income cushion protects renters here
Renters spend just $844 monthly while homeowners pay $1,037, but Bremer's $83,343 median household income means housing costs consume a manageable slice of earnings. Only 12.2% of income goes to rent—among the lowest percentages statewide.
Consider Bremer if affordability matters
If you're relocating to Iowa, Bremer County offers rare combination: strong wages ($83,343), moderate rents ($844), and the flexibility to buy or rent without financial strain. The county's 12.2% rent-to-income ratio gives you options other regions can't match.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bremer County
Affordability Verdict
Bremer County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $844/month — about 12.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $844/month rent versus $1,037/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $193/month cheaper — a 19% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $44,443/year. With a median household income of $83,343, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Bremer County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Bremer County is more affordable than Wright County by roughly 7% ($844/mo vs $788/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bremer County
Rent Burden
12.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,945
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Bremer County
Median home value is $207,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,654 vs. your max of $1,945.
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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