Cost of Living in Delaware County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Delaware County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Delaware County ranks #569 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 18%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Delaware County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Delaware County is affordable. The median rent is $743/month against a median household income of $76,205, putting rent at 11.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $743/month rent versus $966/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $223/month cheaper — a 23% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,400/year. With a median household income of $76,205, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Delaware County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Delaware County is less affordable than Monona County by roughly 7% ($743/mo vs $795/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Delaware County
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
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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