Cost of Living in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cerro Gordo County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Cerro Gordo rents creep above national norm
Renters here spend 15.4% of their income on housing, outpacing the national average of roughly 14.1%. While median household income of $65,537 trails the U.S. average of $74,755, housing costs haven't declined proportionally, squeezing local budgets.
Middle of the pack in Iowa affordability
Cerro Gordo's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% puts it slightly above Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it in the less-affordable half of Iowa counties. At $840 monthly rent, it's $28 higher than the state median, reflecting stronger local demand.
Pricier than Crawford, cheaper than Clarke
Cerro Gordo's $840 rent sits between Crawford County's bargain $727 and Clarke County's steeper $836—positioning it as a moderate-cost option in north-central Iowa. Home values average $154,100, competitive with nearby counties but $10,000+ above Crawford's median.
Housing eats 15% of every paycheck
Monthly rent consumes $840 while homeowners pay $886, leaving most households with roughly 85% of income for other expenses. The median home value of $154,100 reflects a market that's solidly middle-class but tightening for lower-wage workers.
Considering Cerro Gordo? Compare carefully
If you're relocating to north-central Iowa, Cerro Gordo offers modest housing costs but not the deepest bargains in the region—Crawford and Cherokee counties rent $100+ cheaper. Run the numbers against your local salary to ensure housing won't crowd out savings and other priorities.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cerro Gordo County
Rent Burden
15.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,529
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Cerro Gordo County
Median home value is $154,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,230 vs. your max of $1,529.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.