Cost of Living in Davis County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Davis County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Davis County ranks #964 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 31%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Davis County, Iowa
Davis County: affordable rents, strong incomes
With a rent-to-income ratio of 13.3%, Davis County beats the national average of 14% and offers solid rental affordability despite modest local wages. The median household income of $79,505 exceeds the national median of $74,755, while monthly rents of $878 remain below most comparable U.S. counties.
Below-average rents across Iowa
Davis County's median rent of $878 is only 8% above Iowa's state average of $812, placing it among the more affordable rental markets in the state. Its 13.3% rent-to-income ratio is the best in this comparison group, offering renters genuine breathing room in their monthly budgets.
Davis undercuts most regional competitors
Renters in Davis County pay roughly $65 less monthly than Delaware County ($743 is actually lower—Davis at $878 sits between Delaware and Decatur at $663). Davis balances moderate rents with the highest median income among the rural Iowa counties examined here.
Balanced housing costs in Davis
Renters dedicate 13.3% of income to $878 monthly rent, while homeowners spend 15.3% on $1,010 owner costs for properties valued at $146,000. Davis County offers a rare equilibrium: income ($79,505) sufficient to comfortably cover both rental and ownership options.
Davis County rewards budget-conscious movers
Relocating to Davis County means accessing affordable rents ($878/month) and modest home prices ($146,000 median) without sacrificing income potential. For remote workers or those willing to commute, Davis offers Iowa's sweet spot between affordability and earning power.
Cost of Living Advisory: Davis County
Affordability Verdict
Davis County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $878/month representing approximately 13.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 23.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Davis County pay $878/month on average, compared to $1,010/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 13%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $43,286/year. With a median household income of $79,505, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Davis County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Boone County where rent averages $826/month, Davis County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Davis County
Rent Burden
13.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,855
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Davis County
Median home value is $146,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,166 vs. your max of $1,855.
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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