Cost of Living in Cherokee County, Iowa

$711/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$145,100
Median Home Value
12% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$711/mo
12% below state average
Median Home Value
$145,100
49% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
28.0%
% 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 Cherokee County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Cherokee County$711/mo
Iowa Average$812/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$711/mo
Median Gross Rent
$145,100
Median Home Value
$747/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
28.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Cherokee County, Iowa

Cherokee offers rare affordability advantage

At 13.2%, Cherokee County's rent-to-income ratio beats the national average and Iowa's state average of 14.1%, making it genuinely affordable. With median household income at $64,478 and rent just $711, this county punches above its weight in housing access.

Top-tier Iowa affordability county

Cherokee ranks among Iowa's most affordable counties, with its 13.2% rent-to-income ratio solidly below the state average of 14.1%. Monthly rent of $711 is $101 cheaper than the state median, reflecting a tighter labor market and lower demand.

Iowa's pocket-friendly housing market

Cherokee's $711 rent is the lowest among its peer counties in north-central Iowa, undercut only by Crawford's $727. Median home values of $145,100 rank among the region's cheapest, appealing to first-time buyers and budget-conscious families.

Rent takes just 13% of income

Cherokee County renters allocate only $711 monthly while homeowners pay $747, leaving substantial breathing room in household budgets. With a median home value of $145,100, ownership is achievable for workers earning the county median of $64,478.

Looking for Iowa's best housing bargain?

Cherokee County deserves your consideration if affordability tops your relocation priority list—rents are among the state's cheapest and housing is genuinely accessible on local wages. Compare it against Crawford County, which also offers deep bargains, to find your best fit.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Cherokee County

$

Rent Burden

13.2%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,504

per month

Owner Cost Burden

13.9%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Cherokee County

Median home value is $145,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,158 vs. your max of $1,504.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio13.2%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Cherokee County, Iowa?
Cherokee County, Iowa has a median monthly rent of $711/mo and a median home value of $145,100. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 28.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Cherokee County?
The median gross rent in Cherokee County is $711/mo. This is 12% below state average for Iowa.
Is Cherokee County affordable?
Cherokee County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 28.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Cherokee County's rent compare to the state average?
Cherokee County's median rent of $711/mo is 12% below state average of $812/mo for Iowa.
What is the median home value in Cherokee County?
The median home value in Cherokee County, Iowa is $145,100. This is 49% 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.