Cost of Living in Hamilton County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hamilton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hamilton County ranks #808 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hamilton County, Iowa
Hamilton County matches national affordability
Hamilton County residents spend 14.3% of household income on rent—slightly above the national average—with median incomes of $71,750. At $853 monthly, the median rent is moderate, though the income-to-cost ratio is tighter than ideal.
Slightly above average for Iowa
Hamilton's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Iowa's 14.1% state average, positioning it near the statewide middle ground. The county ranks in the moderate affordability band across Iowa's counties.
Mid-range costs among the eight counties
Hamilton's median rent of $853 ranks mid-high regionally, slightly above Fayette ($813) but lower than only Guthrie ($823) and above all others. However, Hamilton's median income of $71,750 is competitive, making the housing burden manageable.
Solid income supports moderate housing
Hamilton households earn $71,750 annually while paying $853 in rent or $846 for homeownership, with median home values of $132,300. The ratio is reasonable for the income level, though renters dedicate a noticeable share to housing.
Hamilton offers middle-ground affordability
If you're relocating to rural Iowa with near-median income, Hamilton County delivers balanced affordability without the premium costs of Guthrie or Grundy. Your budget finds equilibrium between housing and other expenses here.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hamilton County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Hamilton County is affordable. The median rent is $853/month against a median household income of $71,750, putting rent at 14.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Hamilton County pay $853/month on average, compared to $846/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 1%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,257/year. With a median household income of $71,750, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Hamilton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Hamilton County sits 6% more expensive than Buchanan County ($802/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hamilton County
Rent Burden
14.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,674
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Hamilton County
Median home value is $132,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,056 vs. your max of $1,674.
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
What is the cost of living in Hamilton County, Iowa?
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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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