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
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.
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
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.