Cost of Living in Clinton County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Clinton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Clinton County ranks #2,638 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 16%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clinton County, Iowa
Clinton County housing costs rise above average
Clinton County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% exceeds Iowa's state average of 14.1%, reflecting moderate wages ($65,177 median) meeting relatively steep rents ($825). Housing consumes a notably higher proportion of income here than in well-balanced markets.
Tighter affordability than Iowa overall
Clinton's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% ranks above Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it in the less-affordable tier of Iowa counties. Monthly rent of $825 runs $13 above the state median, signaling stronger local housing demand.
Rents climb, ownership costs even steeper
Clinton's $825 rent is moderately high regionally, but owner costs of $1,005 monthly rank among the highest in this eight-county group. This gap signals robust property values ($153,800 median) fueling both rental and ownership demand.
Ownership costs jump 22% above rent
Clinton renters allocate $825 monthly while homeowners spend $1,005, a $180 gap reflecting elevated property values in the county. With median home values of $153,800 and median income of $65,177, first-time buyers face meaningful affordability challenges.
Clinton County: pricier than most neighbors
If relocating to Clinton County, expect above-average housing costs relative to local wages—rents rank moderately high and ownership particularly steep. Renters may find better deals in Crawford or Cherokee; homebuyers should compare against other counties where values better match local earning power.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clinton County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Clinton County is affordable. The median rent is $825/month against a median household income of $65,177, putting rent at 15.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Clinton County is $825/month, while owner costs run $1,005/month. Renting saves approximately $180/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $43,071/year. With a median household income of $65,177, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Clinton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Clinton County sits 7% more expensive than Greene County ($774/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clinton County
Rent Burden
15.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,521
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Clinton County
Median home value is $153,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,228 vs. your max of $1,521.
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
What is the cost of living in Clinton County, Iowa?
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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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