Cost of Living in Crawford County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Crawford County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Crawford County ranks #1,058 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 34%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Crawford County, Iowa
Crawford County delivers genuine affordability
Crawford County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% beats Iowa's state average of 14.1% and sits in the top tier nationally for housing affordability. At $727 monthly rent with median income of $65,039, housing remains comfortably within household budgets.
Among Iowa's most affordable counties
Crawford ranks in the state's most affordable tier with a 13.4% rent-to-income ratio, well below Iowa's 14.1% average. Its $727 monthly rent is $85 cheaper than the state median, reflecting lower demand and costs in rural northwest Iowa.
The bargain basement of the region
Crawford's $727 rent is the cheapest in this eight-county comparison, with only Cherokee close behind at $711—and Crawford's median home value of $136,300 ranks as the region's lowest. This combination makes Crawford the budget option for cost-conscious relocators.
Rents stay lean, homes stay cheap
Crawford renters pay just $727 monthly while homeowners invest $865, allocating only 13.4% and 16% of income respectively to housing. With median home values of $136,300, ownership is genuinely achievable for workers earning the county median.
Crawford County: Iowa's affordability sweet spot
If housing affordability is your top relocation priority, Crawford County and Cherokee County are your best bets in Iowa—both deliver rents below $730 and home values under $150,000. You'll trade some local wage potential for unbeatable housing costs, making Crawford ideal for retirees and remote workers.
Cost of Living Advisory: Crawford County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Crawford County is affordable. The median rent is $727/month against a median household income of $65,039, putting rent at 13.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Crawford County pay $727/month on average, compared to $865/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 16%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,071/year. With a median household income of $65,039, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Crawford County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Crawford County sits 7% less expensive than Appanoose County ($779/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Crawford County
Rent Burden
13.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,518
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Crawford County
Median home value is $136,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,088 vs. your max of $1,518.
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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