Cost of Living in Ida County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ida County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ida County ranks #45 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ida County, Iowa
Ida County is a renter's bargain
Ida County renters spend just 12.8% of income on housing, performing better than national averages and offering exceptional affordability. With median income of $62,841 and rent of just $669 monthly, this is among the nation's most cost-effective rental markets.
Outstanding affordability in Iowa
Ida County's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio is well below Iowa's state average of 14.1%, and its $669 median rent is the lowest in this eight-county cluster. Few Iowa counties match its combination of low rent and reasonable income.
Cheapest rent in the region
Ida's $669 rent is the lowest among all neighbors, undercutting Howard ($699) and every other county in this analysis. Home prices at $108,800 median value are also among the region's lowest, making Ida a budget champion on both fronts.
Unmatched affordability on modest income
With a $62,841 median income—the lowest in this group—Ida residents still spend just 12.8% on rent or 12.9% on mortgages, demonstrating exceptional value. Even households on tight budgets can afford housing here while maintaining financial stability.
Iowa's most affordable county overall
If maximum affordability is your goal, Ida County delivers: lowest rent, lowest home prices, and one of the best rent-to-income ratios in the state. This is where your dollar stretches furthest.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ida County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Ida County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $669/month in gross rent, with 22.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $669/month rent versus $675/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $6/month cheaper — a 1% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,929/year. With a median household income of $62,841, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Ida County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Ida County is less affordable than Carroll County by roughly 7% ($669/mo vs $722/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ida County
Rent Burden
12.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,466
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Ida County
Median home value is $108,800. Estimated monthly cost: $869 vs. your max of $1,466.
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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