Cost of Living in Iowa County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Iowa County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Iowa County ranks #901 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 29%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Iowa County, Iowa
Iowa County renters get great deals
Iowa County renters spend just 12.0% of income on housing, among the nation's best affordability rates and well below national averages. With a median household income of $72,185 and median rent of $722, this county delivers solid financial flexibility for working families.
Best renter affordability in Iowa
At 12.0%, Iowa County's rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among all eight counties analyzed and significantly below Iowa's 14.1% state average. The $722 median rent is just $90 below the state average, making renters here particularly well-positioned.
Excellence in renting, premium in buying
Iowa County's $722 rent ranks second-cheapest regionally behind Ida, yet its $189,800 median home value is the highest, reflecting a county of renters and affluent owners. The $1,121 monthly mortgage is steep, suggesting this county suits renters more than stretched homebuyers.
Renters enjoy luxury; buyers pay premium
Iowa County's $72,185 median income makes the $722 rent a comfortable 12.0%, but homebuyers face a challenging 18.6% with $1,121 monthly costs. This county's strength lies in renting, not ownership, marking it as unusual in Iowa's affordability landscape.
Ideal if you plan to rent long-term
Iowa County is perfect for renters seeking excellent affordability and likely for professionals with higher incomes considering eventual purchase. If you're relocating without plans to buy immediately, this county offers some of Iowa's best rental economics.
Cost of Living Advisory: Iowa County
Affordability Verdict
Iowa County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $722/month — about 12.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Iowa County pay $722/month on average, compared to $1,121/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 36%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $48,043/year. With a median household income of $72,185, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Iowa County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Iowa County is less affordable than Greene County by roughly 7% ($722/mo vs $774/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Iowa County
Rent Burden
12.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,684
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Iowa County
Median home value is $189,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,515 vs. your max of $1,684.
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 Iowa 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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