Cost of Living in Chickasaw County, Iowa

$779/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$164,400

Median Home Value

4% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$779/mo

4% below state average

Median Home Value

$164,400

42% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

19.0%

% 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 Chickasaw County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Chickasaw County$779/mo

Iowa Average$812/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$779/mo

Median Gross Rent

$164,400

Median Home Value

$820/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

19.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Chickasaw County, Iowa

Chickasaw leads the affordability pack

Chickasaw County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio is the strongest in this eight-county region and beats both Iowa's average (14.1%) and the national norm. With median income of $73,421—nearly matching the national average of $74,755—residents enjoy rare wage-to-housing balance.

Iowa's most affordable housing county

Chickasaw ranks at or near the top of Iowa's most affordable counties, with its 12.7% rent-to-income ratio and $779 monthly rent both well below state averages. This combination reflects strong local earning potential paired with modest housing demand.

The affordability champion of north-central Iowa

Chickasaw's rent-to-income ratio of 12.7% outperforms every comparison county, with only Cherokee County coming close at 13.2%. Higher median income ($73,421) combined with moderate rents ($779) creates the region's most balanced housing market.

Housing costs stay in healthy proportion

Renters pay $779 monthly while homeowners invest $820, consuming just 12.7% and 13.4% of income respectively. The median home value of $164,400 is among the region's highest, but strong local wages make ownership realistic for most households.

Chickasaw: where wages meet affordable housing

If you're relocating and want the best housing-to-income balance in Iowa, Chickasaw County delivers—strong local wages combine with reasonable rents and home prices. You'll pay more than bargain-basement counties like Cherokee, but gain significantly better earning potential.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Chickasaw County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

12.7%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,713

per month

Owner Cost Burden

13.4%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Chickasaw County

Median home value is $164,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,312 vs. your max of $1,713.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio12.7%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Chickasaw County, Iowa?

Chickasaw County, Iowa has a median monthly rent of $779/mo and a median home value of $164,400. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 19.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Chickasaw County?

The median gross rent in Chickasaw County is $779/mo. This is 4% below state average for Iowa.

Is Chickasaw County affordable?

Chickasaw County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 19.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Chickasaw County's rent compare to the state average?

Chickasaw County's median rent of $779/mo is 4% below state average of $812/mo for Iowa.

What is the median home value in Chickasaw County?

The median home value in Chickasaw County, Iowa is $164,400. This is 42% below the national median home value of $281,900.