Cost of Living in Calhoun County, Iowa

$690/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$114,400
Median Home Value
15% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$690/mo
15% below state average
Median Home Value
$114,400
59% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
22.0%
% 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 Calhoun County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Calhoun County$690/mo
Iowa Average$812/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$690/mo
Median Gross Rent
$114,400
Median Home Value
$669/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
22.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Calhoun County, Iowa

Calhoun offers genuine rental bargains

Calhoun County's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average and Iowa's 14.1% state norm, with rock-bottom monthly rents of just $690. This northwest Iowa county is one of the state's true affordability standouts for budget-conscious renters.

Calhoun ranks among Iowa's cheapest

At just $690 monthly rent—the lowest in this entire eight-county cluster—Calhoun County delivers exceptional value with a 12.4% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average. Few Iowa counties offer rents this low.

Calhoun's rents lead the northwest cluster

Calhoun's $690 rent undercuts every neighboring county—Butler ($780), Carroll ($722), and Buena Vista ($835)—by significant margins while maintaining competitive $66,875 income. The trade-off is rural character and fewer urban amenities, but the financial case is ironclad.

Lowest costs in the entire region

Both renters ($690) and owners ($669) enjoy the region's lowest housing costs, supported by $66,875 household income and a median home value of just $114,400. At 12.4% of income, Calhoun offers unmatched housing affordability.

Calhoun is Iowa's affordability champion

If housing costs drive your relocation decision, Calhoun County is hard to beat: the state's cheapest rent ($690), lowest home values ($114,400), and a 12.4% rent-to-income ratio that saves money monthly. It's genuine affordability for those prioritizing financial flexibility.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Calhoun County

$

Rent Burden

12.4%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,560

per month

Owner Cost Burden

12.0%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Calhoun County

Median home value is $114,400. Estimated monthly cost: $913 vs. your max of $1,560.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio12.4%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Calhoun County, Iowa?
Calhoun County, Iowa has a median monthly rent of $690/mo and a median home value of $114,400. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 22.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Calhoun County?
The median gross rent in Calhoun County is $690/mo. This is 15% below state average for Iowa.
Is Calhoun County affordable?
Calhoun County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 22.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Calhoun County's rent compare to the state average?
Calhoun County's median rent of $690/mo is 15% below state average of $812/mo for Iowa.
What is the median home value in Calhoun County?
The median home value in Calhoun County, Iowa is $114,400. This is 59% below the national median home value of $281,900.
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.