Cost of Living in Butler County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Butler County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Butler County ranks #432 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 14%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Butler County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Butler County is affordable. The median rent is $780/month against a median household income of $69,651, putting rent at 13.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Butler County is $780/month, while owner costs run $902/month. Renting saves approximately $122/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,657/year. With a median household income of $69,651, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Butler County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Butler County sits 7% more expensive than Crawford County ($727/month) in terms of median gross rent.
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
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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