Cost of Living in Grundy County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Grundy County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Grundy County ranks #89 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Grundy County, Iowa
Grundy County boasts strong affordability
Grundy County residents spend just 11.2% of household income on rent—the lowest ratio among these eight counties and well below the national average. With median household incomes of $83,617, Grundy combines the region's highest earnings with reasonable housing costs.
Among Iowa's most affordable and wealthiest
Grundy's 11.2% rent-to-income ratio significantly undercuts Iowa's 14.1% state average, and the county's median income of $83,617 exceeds the national median by $9,000. Grundy delivers excellent affordability paired with strong earning power.
Highest incomes, strong affordability edge
Grundy's median income of $83,617 tops all nearby counties, while its 11.2% rent-to-income ratio remains among the best in the region. Though median rent of $777 is mid-range regionally, Grundy residents earn enough to make it comfortably affordable.
Affluence enables housing flexibility
Grundy households earn $83,617 annually—the highest in this county group—while paying $777 in rent or $1,004 for homeownership. The median home value of $180,500 reflects the county's relative prosperity, and residents' strong incomes make it accessible.
Grundy: prosperity meets affordability
If you're relocating and earning above-median income, Grundy County offers the best overall value: highest local wages, lowest housing burden, and strong community stability. Your financial situation improves fastest in this county.
Cost of Living Advisory: Grundy County
Affordability Verdict
Grundy County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $777/month — about 11.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Grundy County pay $777/month on average, compared to $1,004/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 23%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $43,029/year. With a median household income of $83,617, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Grundy County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Grundy County is more affordable than Carroll County by roughly 8% ($777/mo vs $722/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Grundy County
Rent Burden
11.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,951
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Grundy County
Median home value is $180,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,441 vs. your max of $1,951.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Grundy County, Iowa?
What is the median rent in Grundy County?
Is Grundy County affordable?
How does Grundy County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Grundy County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Grundy County, Iowa? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Grundy County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.