Cost of Living in Hamilton County, Iowa

$853/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$132,300

Median Home Value

5% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$853/mo

5% above state average

Median Home Value

$132,300

53% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

22.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Hamilton County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Hamilton County$853/mo

Iowa Average$812/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$853/mo

Median Gross Rent

$132,300

Median Home Value

$846/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

22.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Hamilton County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio14.3%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Hamilton County, Iowa?

Hamilton County, Iowa has a median monthly rent of $853/mo and a median home value of $132,300. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 22.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Hamilton County?

The median gross rent in Hamilton County is $853/mo. This is 5% above state average for Iowa.

Is Hamilton County affordable?

Hamilton County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 22.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Hamilton County's rent compare to the state average?

Hamilton County's median rent of $853/mo is 5% above state average of $812/mo for Iowa.

What is the median home value in Hamilton County?

The median home value in Hamilton County, Iowa is $132,300. This is 53% below the national median home value of $281,900.