Cost of Living in Clayton County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Clayton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Clayton County ranks #600 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clayton County, Iowa
Clayton County housing strains lower-income earners
Clayton County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% sits above Iowa's state average of 14.1%, and median household income of $62,326 ranks lowest in this eight-county group. Housing consumes a disproportionately large share of already-tight household budgets here.
Below-average affordability, below-average wages
Clayton's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Iowa's state average of 14.1%, and its median household income of $62,326 is among the state's lowest. This combination creates particular affordability pressure for renters and those seeking homeownership.
Moderate rents, lowest wages in region
Clayton's $764 rent is mid-range regionally, but its median household income of $62,326 is the lowest among these eight counties. This wage disadvantage makes any given rent level feel more burdensome, even when absolute prices are reasonable.
Housing absorbs nearly 15% of income
Clayton renters pay $764 monthly while homeowners spend $826, consuming 14.7% and 15.9% of median income respectively. With median home values of $155,700 and the region's lowest wages, ownership is particularly challenging for typical households.
Clayton County: affordable if you earn well
Relocating to Clayton County makes sense primarily if you're securing employment with above-county-median wages—housing costs are manageable only when income significantly exceeds the local $62,326 average. Compare against Cherokee or Crawford if staying within the region and prioritizing affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clayton County
Affordability Verdict
Clayton County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $764/month — about 14.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Clayton County pay $764/month on average, compared to $826/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 8%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,400/year. With a median household income of $62,326, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Clayton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Clayton County sits 6% less expensive than Benton County ($815/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clayton County
Rent Burden
14.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,454
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Clayton County
Median home value is $155,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,243 vs. your max of $1,454.
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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