Cost of Living in Delaware County, Iowa

$743/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$168,700

Median Home Value

8% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$743/mo

8% below state average

Median Home Value

$168,700

40% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

27.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Delaware County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Delaware County$743/mo

Iowa Average$812/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$743/mo

Median Gross Rent

$168,700

Median Home Value

$966/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

27.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Delaware County, Iowa

Delaware County: Iowa's affordability sweet spot

Delaware County achieves a remarkable 11.7% rent-to-income ratio, the best in this entire comparison and well below the national average of 14%. With median household income of $76,205 and monthly rent of just $743, Delaware offers genuine housing affordability paired with respectable earning potential.

Best rental affordability in Iowa

Delaware County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.7% significantly outperforms Iowa's state average of 14.1%, making it the most affordable county for renters in this analysis. The median rent of $743 sits slightly below the state average of $812, while median income of $76,205 provides reliable household economics.

Delaware beats every nearby county

Delaware County's 11.7% rent-to-income ratio surpasses all regional peers: Dickinson (15.0%), Dubuque (14.9%), Davis (13.3%), and Decatur (13.9%). The combination of moderate rents and solid incomes gives Delaware an unmatched affordability advantage in northeast Iowa.

Money left over in Delaware

Renters dedicate just 11.7% of their $76,205 income to $743 monthly rent, while homeowners spend 15.2% on $966 owner costs for $168,700 properties. Delaware County residents enjoy the healthiest affordability cushion of any county examined, with room for savings and life flexibility.

Delaware: Iowa's affordability champion

If housing affordability drives your relocation decision, Delaware County offers Iowa's best value: moderate rents, manageable home prices, and income levels that don't require compromise. The county's 11.7% rent-to-income ratio leaves families with genuine financial breathing room.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Delaware County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

11.7%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,778

per month

Owner Cost Burden

15.2%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Delaware County

Median home value is $168,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,347 vs. your max of $1,778.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio11.7%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Delaware County, Iowa?

Delaware County, Iowa has a median monthly rent of $743/mo and a median home value of $168,700. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 27.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Delaware County?

The median gross rent in Delaware County is $743/mo. This is 8% below state average for Iowa.

Is Delaware County affordable?

Delaware County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 27.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Delaware County's rent compare to the state average?

Delaware County's median rent of $743/mo is 8% below state average of $812/mo for Iowa.

What is the median home value in Delaware County?

The median home value in Delaware County, Iowa is $168,700. This is 40% below the national median home value of $281,900.