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
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.
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
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.