Cost of Living in Dickinson County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dickinson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dickinson County ranks #665 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 21%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dickinson County, Iowa
Dickinson County rents exceed national average
Dickinson County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% exceeds the national average of 14%, placing it in the tighter affordability zone despite relatively stable local income. With median household income of $74,570 (essentially at the national median of $74,755) and monthly rent of $930, the county mirrors broader U.S. housing pressure.
Above-average rents across Iowa
Dickinson County's median rent of $930 runs 15% higher than Iowa's state average of $812, while its 15.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 14.1%. The county's rental market is noticeably tighter than most of Iowa, driven by modest income levels and elevated housing costs.
Dickinson pricier than most nearby counties
Dickinson's $930 monthly rent exceeds Delaware County ($743), Davis County ($878), Decatur County ($663), and Dubuque County ($944) only slightly. However, Dickinson's median home value of $251,600 is notably higher than neighbors like Delaware ($168,700) and Davis ($146,000), signaling a stronger ownership market.
Moderate income, elevated housing costs
Renters dedicate 15.0% of their $74,570 income to $930 monthly rent, while homeowners spend 16.5% on $1,026 owner costs for $251,600 properties. Dickinson's housing demand outpaces income growth, creating middle-ground affordability pressure without the extremes seen in other counties.
Dickinson offers lake country at a premium
Moving to Dickinson County means accessing recreational lakefront amenities and above-average home values ($251,600), but expect to pay 15% rent premiums and elevated affordability ratios. The trade-off between quality of life and housing costs shapes relocation decisions here.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dickinson County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Dickinson County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $930/month in gross rent, with 25.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $930/month rent versus $1,026/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $96/month cheaper — a 9% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $43,971/year. With a median household income of $74,570, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Dickinson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Dickinson County is more affordable than Davis County by roughly 6% ($930/mo vs $878/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dickinson County
Rent Burden
15.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,740
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.5%
of gross income
The median home in Dickinson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $251,600. Estimated monthly cost: $2,009 vs. your max of $1,740.
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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