Cost of Living in Calhoun County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Calhoun County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Calhoun County ranks #210 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 7%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Calhoun County
Affordability Verdict
Calhoun County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $690/month representing approximately 12.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 22.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Calhoun County is $690/month, while owner costs run $669/month. Owning saves approximately $21/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,671/year. With a median household income of $66,875, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Calhoun County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Calhoun County sits 7% less expensive than Delaware County ($743/month) in terms of median gross rent.
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
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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