Cost of Living in Howard County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Howard County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Howard County ranks #128 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 4%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Howard County, Iowa
Howard County rents are Iowa's best
Howard County renters spend just 12.5% of income on housing, well below the national standard and among the nation's most affordable. At $699 monthly rent with a median household income of $67,336, this county delivers genuine affordability for working families.
Tops Iowa for renter affordability
Howard County's 12.5% rent-to-income ratio significantly undercuts Iowa's state average of 14.1%, making it the state's most affordable county for renters. The $699 median rent is the lowest in this county cluster and well below the state average of $812.
Regional affordability leader by far
Howard's $699 rent beats every neighbor, from Ida ($669) at $669—wait, Howard wins at $699—and Humboldt at $731 up to Hardin at $814. Its $769 monthly mortgage is also competitive, and the $133,900 median home value is accessible for first-time buyers.
Renters and owners both find relief
With a $67,336 median income, Howard residents spend just $699 on rent (12.5%) or $769 on mortgage (13.7%), both well below the 30% affordability guideline. This county offers genuine breathing room in household budgets.
Unbeatable value for budget-conscious movers
Howard County is Iowa's affordability champion for both renters and buyers—if cost of living is your priority, this is your destination. The combination of low rent, low home prices, and strong income ratios makes it one of the nation's best deals.
Cost of Living Advisory: Howard County
Affordability Verdict
Howard County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $699/month representing approximately 12.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 19.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Howard County is $699/month, while owner costs run $769/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 $27,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,957/year. With a median household income of $67,336, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Howard County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Fremont County where rent averages $753/month, Howard County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Howard County
Rent Burden
12.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,571
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Howard County
Median home value is $133,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,069 vs. your max of $1,571.
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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