Cost of Living in Johnson County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Johnson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Johnson County ranks #2,462 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 22%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Johnson County, Iowa
Johnson County rents reflect higher incomes
Johnson County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% sits above national affordability comfort zones, yet the county maintains near-parity with the national median household income at $74,721. Higher rents ($1,104 monthly) are sustainable here because incomes are stronger, though renters still allocate a notably larger share to housing than peers in lower-cost counties.
Johnson is Iowa's highest-cost housing market
At 17.7% rent-to-income and $1,104 monthly rent, Johnson County substantially exceeds Iowa's 14.1% state average and $812 median rent. This reflects Johnson's role as the state's economic and educational hub, anchored by the University of Iowa and strong job market commanding both higher wages and higher rents.
Johnson stands apart as the regional rent leader
Johnson's $1,104 rent towers over neighboring Jackson ($800), Jones ($759), and Jasper ($822)—a 35–45% premium reflecting its urban density and university presence. The 17.7% ratio is also the highest in the region, signaling that while incomes are strong here, housing costs capture a larger budget share than surrounding rural counties.
Johnson's housing premium reflects urban economy
Renters dedicate $1,104 monthly (17.7% of $74,721 income), while homeowners spend $1,483—the region's steepest ownership cost tied to a median home value of $293,100. The gap between rent and ownership is substantial, reflecting Johnson's position as an education, healthcare, and tech hub where both supply and demand push housing prices upward.
Johnson County rewards high earners and students
If your income aligns with Johnson County's professional job market or you're drawn to Iowa's university town lifestyle, the higher housing costs ($1,104 rent, $293k homes) become manageable. But if affordability is your priority, nearby Jackson, Jones, or Jefferson counties offer comparable quality of life with 20–30% lower rents and home values.
Cost of Living Advisory: Johnson County
Affordability Verdict
Johnson County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,104/month — about 17.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,104/month rent versus $1,483/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $379/month cheaper — a 26% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $44,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $63,557/year. With a median household income of $74,721, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Johnson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Johnson County is more affordable than Story County by roughly 8% ($1,104/mo vs $1,019/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Johnson County
Rent Burden
17.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,743
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.8%
of gross income
The median home in Johnson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $293,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,340 vs. your max of $1,743.
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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