Cost of Living in Carroll County, Iowa

$722/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$175,700
Median Home Value
11% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$722/mo
11% below state average
Median Home Value
$175,700
38% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
26.0%
% 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 Carroll County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Carroll County$722/mo
Iowa Average$812/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$722/mo
Median Gross Rent
$175,700
Median Home Value
$846/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
26.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Carroll County, Iowa

Carroll County keeps rents reasonable

Carroll County's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio stays well below Iowa's 14.1% average and holds competitive ground against the national benchmark. At $722 monthly, rents here are among the region's lowest while supporting $68,528 in median household income.

Carroll performs above Iowa average

With a 12.6% rent-to-income ratio, Carroll County ranks in the top third of Iowa counties for rental affordability, offering renters better economics than the state norm. The county's solid income-to-rent balance reflects stable local employment.

Carroll's middle-ground position shines

Carroll splits the difference in its cluster: rents ($722) beat Bremer and Cedar but exceed Calhoun, while income ($68,528) lands squarely in the middle range. For renters seeking balance between cost and income security, Carroll hits the sweet spot.

Lean rents, achievable home ownership

Renters pay $722 monthly while owners face $846, with median homes valued at $175,700 and household income at $68,528. At 12.6% of income dedicated to rent, Carroll leaves households meaningful financial flexibility.

Carroll County balances value and income

Carroll County appeals to relocators seeking genuine savings without sacrificing economic opportunity: rents of $722, median income of $68,528, and a 12.6% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state. It's affordable without being economically isolated.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Carroll County

$

Rent Burden

12.6%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,599

per month

Owner Cost Burden

14.8%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Carroll County

Median home value is $175,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,403 vs. your max of $1,599.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio12.6%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Carroll County, Iowa?
Carroll County, Iowa has a median monthly rent of $722/mo and a median home value of $175,700. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 26.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Carroll County?
The median gross rent in Carroll County is $722/mo. This is 11% below state average for Iowa.
Is Carroll County affordable?
Carroll County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 26.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Carroll County's rent compare to the state average?
Carroll County's median rent of $722/mo is 11% below state average of $812/mo for Iowa.
What is the median home value in Carroll County?
The median home value in Carroll County, Iowa is $175,700. This is 38% 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.