Cost of Living in Butler County, Iowa

$780/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$156,500
Median Home Value
4% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$780/mo
4% below state average
Median Home Value
$156,500
44% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
23.0%
% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating
Unaffordable
Rent over 50% of income

How Butler County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Butler County$780/mo
Iowa Average$812/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$780/mo
Median Gross Rent
$156,500
Median Home Value
$902/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
23.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Butler County, Iowa

Butler County offers moderate housing costs

Butler County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio sits between the national average and Iowa's 14.1% state norm, positioning it as moderately affordable for renters. The county's $69,651 median income is slightly below the national figure but competitive within Iowa.

Butler ranks middle of the pack statewide

With a 13.4% rent-to-income ratio, Butler County performs slightly better than the Iowa average, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 99 counties. It's neither a standout bargain nor a hardship zone—solid, reliable affordability.

Butler balances cost and income well

Butler's $780 monthly rent is the lowest in its immediate cluster, while the $69,651 income sits in the middle range, making it a practical choice for renters. Neighboring Bremer and Cedar counties demand higher rents; Calhoun and Carroll offer lower costs with similar income.

Balanced housing and income profile

Renters pay $780 monthly and owners $902, with a median home value of $156,500 supported by $69,651 household income—a stable combination. At 13.4% of earnings, housing costs remain below the state average.

Butler offers steady, sensible housing deals

Butler County suits relocators seeking stability without dramatic affordability challenges or exceptional bargains—a practical middle ground with the state's lowest rents in its region ($780). The 13.4% rent-to-income ratio keeps financial risk manageable.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Butler County

$

Rent Burden

13.4%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,625

per month

Owner Cost Burden

15.5%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Butler County

Median home value is $156,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,249 vs. your max of $1,625.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio13.4%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Butler County, Iowa?
Butler County, Iowa has a median monthly rent of $780/mo and a median home value of $156,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 23.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Butler County?
The median gross rent in Butler County is $780/mo. This is 4% below state average for Iowa.
Is Butler County affordable?
Butler County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 23.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Butler County's rent compare to the state average?
Butler County's median rent of $780/mo is 4% below state average of $812/mo for Iowa.
What is the median home value in Butler County?
The median home value in Butler County, Iowa is $156,500. This is 44% below the national median home value of $281,900.
Sponsored

Planning a Move?

Researching the cost of living in Butler County, Iowa? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.

Compare Moving Quotes

Counties with Similar Housing Costs

Sponsored

Compare Mortgage Rates in Butler County

Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.