Cost of Living in Cherokee County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cherokee County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cherokee County ranks #174 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 6%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cherokee County
Affordability Verdict
Cherokee County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $711/month — about 13.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $711/month rent versus $747/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $36/month cheaper — a 5% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,014/year. With a median household income of $64,478, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Cherokee County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Cherokee County is more affordable than Wayne County by roughly 8% ($711/mo vs $660/mo).
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
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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