Cost of Living in Keokuk County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Keokuk County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Keokuk County ranks #730 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Keokuk County, Iowa
Keokuk renters face affordability challenges
Keokuk County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% exceeds national comfort zones and sits 3.5 percentage points above the national average. With median household income of $60,856—notably below the national average of $74,755—renters struggle to balance housing costs with other expenses despite access to lower absolute rents.
Keokuk strains above Iowa's state average
At 16.2%, Keokuk's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Iowa's 14.1% state average, placing it among the state's less affordable counties despite rents near the state median. The combination of below-average incomes and typical rents creates a tighter housing affordability picture than most Iowa peers.
Keokuk's affordability ranks mid-range regionally
Keokuk's 16.2% ratio falls between more affordable Jones (12.5%), Jackson (13.4%), and Jasper (14.1%), but significantly better than Jefferson (18.6%) or Johnson (17.7%). The $822 monthly rent is modest, but lower household incomes push the affordability burden higher than counties with similar rents.
Keokuk's low home values help ownership
Renters spend $822 monthly (16.2% of $60,856 income), creating budget strain, but prospective homeowners find relief in the lowest median home value in this comparison at $112,200. Monthly owner costs of $834 suggest that purchasing could be more manageable than renting for qualified Keokuk households.
Keokuk works for homebuyers with local jobs
Keokuk's ultra-affordable home values ($112,200) and reasonable ownership costs ($834/month) make it attractive for buyers seeking low-cost homeownership. But if you're relocating to rent, prioritize Jones, Jackson, or Kossuth counties with better rent-to-income ratios—or ensure your incoming job income aligns with Keokuk's local wage levels.
Cost of Living Advisory: Keokuk County
Affordability Verdict
Keokuk County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $822/month — about 16.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Keokuk County is $822/month, while owner costs run $834/month. Renting saves approximately $12/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,743/year. With a median household income of $60,856, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Keokuk County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Keokuk County sits 7% more expensive than Henry County ($770/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Keokuk County
Rent Burden
16.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,420
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Keokuk County
Median home value is $112,200. Estimated monthly cost: $896 vs. your max of $1,420.
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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