Cost of Living in Cedar County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cedar County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cedar County ranks #776 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cedar County, Iowa
Cedar County rents stay competitive
Cedar County's 13.1% rent-to-income ratio beats Iowa's 14.1% average and holds its own nationally, offering renters solid affordability. At $860 monthly, rents run higher than most neighbors, but the county's $79,080 median income—second-highest in the cluster—provides the cushion to absorb it.
Cedar ranks above Iowa average
With a 13.1% rent-to-income ratio, Cedar County outperforms the state average despite charging the second-highest rents in its region. The county's strong median income of $79,080 is the key advantage.
Higher rents justified by higher income
Cedar County's $860 rent is the second-priciest in the cluster, but the $79,080 median income (second-highest) balances the equation effectively. Only Bremer ($83,343) earns more, giving Cedar residents both income security and reasonable affordability.
Strong income supports higher housing costs
Renters spend $860 monthly and owners $1,099, with median home values of $199,700 backed by $79,080 household income. At 13.1% of earnings, rent remains manageable despite the region's highest ownership costs.
Cedar County rewards good earners
If your relocation comes with solid income prospects, Cedar County delivers: the region's second-highest wages ($79,080), competitive rent-to-income ratio (13.1%), and home values ($199,700) that build equity. It's premium housing for premium earners.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cedar County
Affordability Verdict
Cedar County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $860/month — about 13.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Cedar County pay $860/month on average, compared to $1,099/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 22%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,100/year. With a median household income of $79,080, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Cedar County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Cedar County sits 6% less expensive than Linn County ($915/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cedar County
Rent Burden
13.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,845
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Cedar County
Median home value is $199,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,594 vs. your max of $1,845.
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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