Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jefferson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jefferson County ranks #1,756 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Iowa
Jefferson faces a national affordability challenge
Jefferson County residents dedicate 18.6% of income to rent—nearly 40% higher than the acceptable 30% affordability threshold and significantly above the national average. With a median household income of $56,824, residents earn substantially less than the national average of $74,755, creating a genuine affordability strain.
Jefferson struggles compared to Iowa peers
At 18.6%, Jefferson's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Iowa's highest, far exceeding the state average of 14.1% by 4.5 percentage points. The $881 monthly rent is above Iowa's median, but the real problem is the combination of higher rents and lower household incomes unique to this county.
Jefferson's affordability lag is clear in the region
Jefferson's 18.6% ratio significantly outpaces nearby Jackson (13.4%), Jones (12.5%), and Jasper (14.1%), making it the region's least affordable county. The $881 rent isn't dramatically higher, but the lower local income base ($56,824) creates disproportionate pressure on household budgets.
Housing costs strain Jefferson's family budgets
Renters spend $881 monthly (18.6% of the $56,824 median income), leaving limited resources for food, transportation, and healthcare. Homeowners fare somewhat better at $915 monthly, but both groups face tighter housing-cost constraints than neighboring counties with similar home values.
Relocating to Jefferson requires higher income
Jefferson County offers lower home values ($161,200) and reasonable ownership costs, making it viable for remote workers or retirees with outside income. If your job and income are mobile, consider more affordable Jackson or Jones counties—or ensure your income aligns with Jefferson's local wage levels before moving.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jefferson County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Jefferson County is affordable. The median rent is $881/month against a median household income of $56,824, putting rent at 18.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Jefferson County pay $881/month on average, compared to $915/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 4%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $39,214/year. With a median household income of $56,824, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Jefferson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Boone County where rent averages $826/month, Jefferson County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jefferson County
Rent Burden
18.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,326
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Jefferson County
Median home value is $161,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,287 vs. your max of $1,326.
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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