Cost of Living in Carroll County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Carroll County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Carroll County ranks #467 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 15%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Carroll County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Carroll County is affordable. The median rent is $722/month against a median household income of $68,528, putting rent at 12.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $722/month rent versus $846/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $124/month cheaper — a 15% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,257/year. With a median household income of $68,528, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Carroll County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Greene County where rent averages $774/month, Carroll County is approximately 7% less expensive.
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
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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