Cost of Living in Decatur County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Decatur County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Decatur County ranks #637 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 20%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Decatur County, Iowa
Decatur's ultra-low rents mask income challenge
Decatur County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% rivals the national average of 14%, but the story beneath is sobering: median household income of just $57,146 is 24% below the national median of $74,755. At $663 monthly rent, Decatur offers the cheapest housing in this county group, yet residents earn considerably less to afford it.
Lowest incomes, lowest rents in Iowa
Decatur County's median rent of $663 is 18% below Iowa's state average of $812, but its median household income of $57,146 is the lowest in the state comparison. The county's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio performs slightly better than Iowa's 14.1% average, only because rents are so dramatically low.
Decatur leads on affordability, lags on wages
While Decatur's $663 rent is lowest among its peers, the median income of $57,146 trails Davis County ($79,505) by 28% and Delaware County ($76,205) by 25%. The county's affordability advantage is driven by economic conditions rather than genuine prosperity.
Stretched budgets in Decatur County
Renters spend 13.9% of their $57,146 income on $663 rent, while homeowners allocate 17.8% to $849 monthly costs for homes valued at $109,500. With limited local income, Decatur residents have little margin for unexpected expenses despite housing's low absolute cost.
Decatur offers bargain housing—with trade-offs
Moving to Decatur County means accessing the cheapest rents and homes in Iowa, but you'll be relocating to a county with the state's lowest median incomes. This destination suits only those with remote income or strong job prospects; for most, the low costs come with genuine economic constraints.
Cost of Living Advisory: Decatur County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Decatur County is affordable. The median rent is $663/month against a median household income of $57,146, putting rent at 13.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $663/month rent versus $849/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $186/month cheaper — a 22% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,386/year. With a median household income of $57,146, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Decatur County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Allamakee County where rent averages $717/month, Decatur County is approximately 8% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Decatur County
Rent Burden
13.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,333
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Decatur County
Median home value is $109,500. Estimated monthly cost: $874 vs. your max of $1,333.
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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