Cost of Living in Buchanan County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Buchanan County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Buchanan County ranks #411 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Buchanan County, Iowa
Buchanan rents punch above national weight
With a 12.3% rent-to-income ratio, Buchanan County keeps housing costs lean compared to the national average, outperforming Iowa's overall 14.1% by a full percentage point. This northeast Iowa county offers renters genuine affordability without sacrificing income stability.
Buchanan ranks among Iowa's best
Buchanan County's 12.3% rent-to-income ratio positions it in the top tier of Iowa affordability, where housing takes a smaller bite of household earnings than the state norm. The county's $78,430 median income keeps pace with peer counties across the region.
Gateway to affordable northeast Iowa
Buchanan's $802 monthly rent sits between Cedar County's pricier $860 and Bremer's $844, offering the lowest rent in its immediate cluster while maintaining solid income. It's the budget-friendly option without dropping into the lower-income tier of surrounding counties.
Rent and ownership are balanced here
Renters pay $802 monthly while owner costs hit $905, with a median home value of $171,400—all backed by a $78,430 household income that gives residents breathing room. At 12.3% of income, rent represents one of the state's more manageable housing burdens.
Buchanan delivers real value for movers
Relocating Iowans will find Buchanan County's combination hard to beat: the lowest rents in its region ($802), solid median income ($78,430), and a 12.3% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average. It's where affordability meets small-town stability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Buchanan County
Affordability Verdict
Buchanan County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $802/month representing approximately 12.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 25.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Buchanan County pay $802/month on average, compared to $905/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 11%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,786/year. With a median household income of $78,430, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Buchanan County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Buchanan County is less affordable than Hamilton County by roughly 6% ($802/mo vs $853/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Buchanan County
Rent Burden
12.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,830
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Buchanan County
Median home value is $171,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,368 vs. your max of $1,830.
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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