Cost of Living in Jackson County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jackson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jackson County ranks #1,015 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 32%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jackson County, Iowa
Jackson rents are affordable by national standards
Jackson County renters spend 13.4% of their income on rent, well below the national benchmark where affordability typically caps out at 30%. This county beats the national average household income of $74,755, with Jackson residents earning $71,605—putting renters in a stable position compared to most U.S. counties.
Better than Iowa's typical rent burden
At 13.4%, Jackson's rent-to-income ratio outperforms the Iowa state average of 14.1%, ranking it among the more affordable counties statewide. The $800 median monthly rent is nearly identical to Iowa's $812 average, but Jackson's slightly lower ratio reflects higher household incomes relative to rent costs.
Jackson stays competitive in the region
Jackson's $800 monthly rent and 13.4% ratio place it squarely in the middle of its peer counties. Jones County edges it out with lower rents ($759), while Johnson County's higher-income households sustain rents of $1,104—showing that nearby counties span a wide affordability spectrum.
Where Jackson's housing dollars go
Renters in Jackson County allocate roughly $800 monthly (13.4% of income), while homeowners pay $867 monthly toward mortgages—both reasonable for a median household income of $71,605. Housing costs consume a manageable share of the local budget, leaving income for other essentials.
Consider Jackson for balanced housing costs
If you're comparing Iowa counties for affordability, Jackson offers stable rents and reasonable homeownership costs without the income premium required in higher-cost neighbors like Johnson County. Explore Jackson alongside Jones County (slightly cheaper rents) and Jasper County (similar costs) to find your fit.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jackson County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Jackson County is affordable. The median rent is $800/month against a median household income of $71,605, putting rent at 13.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $800/month rent versus $867/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $67/month cheaper — a 8% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,157/year. With a median household income of $71,605, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Jackson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hamilton County where rent averages $853/month, Jackson County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jackson County
Rent Burden
13.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,671
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Jackson County
Median home value is $170,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,357 vs. your max of $1,671.
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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