Cost of Living in Chickasaw County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Chickasaw County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Chickasaw County ranks #180 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 6%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Chickasaw County
Affordability Verdict
Chickasaw County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $779/month — about 12.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Chickasaw County is $779/month, while owner costs run $820/month. Renting saves approximately $41/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,143/year. With a median household income of $73,421, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Chickasaw County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Chickasaw County sits 7% more expensive than Crawford County ($727/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Chickasaw County
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
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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