Cost of Living in Greene County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Greene County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Greene County ranks #736 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Greene County, Iowa
Greene's housing burden exceeds national norm
Greene County residents spend 15.7% of income on rent, noticeably above the national average and approaching the threshold where housing affordability becomes strained. With median incomes of $59,159—below the national median—the burden falls heaviest on lower-earning households.
Above-average cost pressure in Iowa
Greene's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Iowa's 14.1% state average, placing it among the state's less affordable counties. The county ranks in the upper tier of housing cost burden across Iowa.
Higher rents than most nearby counties
Greene's median rent of $774 ranks second-highest in the region, behind only Fayette County's $813, and substantially above Franklin ($649) and Floyd ($672). Combined with below-median incomes, Greene renters face greater affordability pressure than neighbors.
Housing takes a significant income share
Greene households earn $59,159 annually while spending $774 on rent or $844 on homeownership—consuming nearly 16% of income before other expenses. The median home value of $140,500 is relatively accessible, but renters here face tighter budgets.
Greene demands careful budget planning
If relocating to Greene County, ensure your income supports the 15.7% housing burden and higher rents than neighboring Franklin or Floyd. Consider exploring adjacent counties where your income stretches further.
Cost of Living Advisory: Greene County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Greene County is affordable. The median rent is $774/month against a median household income of $59,159, putting rent at 15.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Greene County is $774/month, while owner costs run $844/month. Renting saves approximately $70/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,171/year. With a median household income of $59,159, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Greene County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Greene County is less affordable than Clinton County by roughly 6% ($774/mo vs $825/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Greene County
Rent Burden
15.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,380
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Greene County
Median home value is $140,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,122 vs. your max of $1,380.
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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