Cost of Living in Cass County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cass County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cass County ranks #2,307 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cass County, Iowa
Cass County struggles with affordability
Cass County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches Buena Vista as one of Iowa's least affordable counties, exceeding the state average of 14.1% by a full percentage point. The county's lowest median income in this cluster ($61,657) compounds the challenge for renters.
Cass among Iowa's toughest markets
At 15.0%, Cass County's rent-to-income ratio ranks near the bottom statewide, meaning renters here face greater affordability pressure than most Iowans. Combined with the region's lowest median income, housing costs consume a worrying share of household earnings.
Lowest income, challenging rents
Cass County's $61,657 median income is the lowest in its eight-county group, while rents of $769 remain middle-range; together, they create a squeeze. Neighboring counties with higher incomes (Bremer, Buchanan, Cedar) or lower rents (Calhoun, Carroll, Butler) offer clearer financial ground.
Housing burden hits hardest here
Renters spend $769 monthly and owners $781, with median home values of $133,300, all supported by just $61,657 household income—the region's tightest fit. At 15.0% of earnings, housing costs leave little room for other expenses.
Cass County requires careful financial planning
Relocating to Cass County demands honesty: the 15.0% rent-to-income ratio is among Iowa's worst, and median income of $61,657 is the lowest in this region. Explore Calhoun, Carroll, or Butler counties for meaningfully better financial outcomes.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cass County
Affordability Verdict
Cass County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $769/month representing approximately 15.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Cass County is $769/month, while owner costs run $781/month. Renting saves approximately $12/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,471/year. With a median household income of $61,657, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Cass County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Cass County is more affordable than Allamakee County by roughly 7% ($769/mo vs $717/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cass County
Rent Burden
15.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,439
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Cass County
Median home value is $133,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,064 vs. your max of $1,439.
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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