Cost of Living in Cedar County, Iowa

$860/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$199,700
Median Home Value
6% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$860/mo
6% above state average
Median Home Value
$199,700
29% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
27.0%
% 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 Cedar County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Cedar County$860/mo
Iowa Average$812/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$860/mo
Median Gross Rent
$199,700
Median Home Value
$1,099/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
27.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

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

Your rent-to-income ratio13.1%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Cedar County, Iowa?
Cedar County, Iowa has a median monthly rent of $860/mo and a median home value of $199,700. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 27.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Cedar County?
The median gross rent in Cedar County is $860/mo. This is 6% above state average for Iowa.
Is Cedar County affordable?
Cedar County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 27.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Cedar County's rent compare to the state average?
Cedar County's median rent of $860/mo is 6% above state average of $812/mo for Iowa.
What is the median home value in Cedar County?
The median home value in Cedar County, Iowa is $199,700. This is 29% 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.