Cost of Living in Humboldt County, Iowa

$731/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$146,900

Median Home Value

10% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$731/mo

10% below state average

Median Home Value

$146,900

48% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

20.0%

% 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 Humboldt County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Humboldt County$731/mo

Iowa Average$812/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$731/mo

Median Gross Rent

$146,900

Median Home Value

$789/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

20.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Humboldt County, Iowa

Humboldt renters beat national averages

Humboldt County renters spend 13.1% of income on housing, comfortably below the national standard and reflecting genuine affordability. With a median household income of $66,994 and median rent of $731, this county offers reliable financial breathing room.

Better than Iowa's state average

At 13.1%, Humboldt County's rent-to-income ratio beats Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it among the state's more affordable counties. The $731 median rent is $81 below the state average, further strengthening its affordability case.

Solid value in a competitive cluster

Humboldt's $731 rent sits between Howard's excellent $699 and Hancock's $784, offering good value without being the absolute cheapest. Its $789 monthly mortgage and $146,900 home value make homeownership accessible for households with modest incomes.

Balanced affordability for both groups

Humboldt's $66,994 median income supports a manageable 13.1% rent burden or roughly 14.1% for homeowners paying $789 monthly. Both renter and owner households stay well below the 30% affordability threshold, allowing flexibility in household planning.

Sweet spot for stable, practical movers

Humboldt County offers the stability of strong affordability without requiring the highest incomes—ideal for families and individuals seeking reliable, predictable housing costs. Its combination of reasonable rents and modest home prices makes it a safe, sensible choice.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Humboldt County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

13.1%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,563

per month

Owner Cost Burden

14.1%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Humboldt County

Median home value is $146,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,173 vs. your max of $1,563.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio13.1%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Humboldt County, Iowa has a median monthly rent of $731/mo and a median home value of $146,900. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 20.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Humboldt County?

The median gross rent in Humboldt County is $731/mo. This is 10% below state average for Iowa.

Is Humboldt County affordable?

Humboldt County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 20.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

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

Humboldt County's median rent of $731/mo is 10% below state average of $812/mo for Iowa.

What is the median home value in Humboldt County?

The median home value in Humboldt County, Iowa is $146,900. This is 48% below the national median home value of $281,900.