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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cerro Gordo County ranks #2,325 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 26%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cerro Gordo County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Cerro Gordo County is affordable. The median rent is $840/month against a median household income of $65,537, putting rent at 15.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Cerro Gordo County pay $840/month on average, compared to $886/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 5%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,971/year. With a median household income of $65,537, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Cerro Gordo County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Cerro Gordo County sits 7% more expensive than Wright County ($788/month) in terms of median gross rent.
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
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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