Cost of Living in Lee County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lee County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lee County ranks #2,299 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lee County, Iowa
Lee County renters face affordability pressure
Lee County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% sits well above the national affordability comfort zone, driven by a median household income of $59,803—the lowest in this comparison and well below the national average of $74,755. Renters here allocate a notably larger share of income to housing than U.S. averages allow.
Lee struggles above Iowa's affordability average
At 16.3%, Lee County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Iowa's 14.1% state average by 2.2 percentage points, ranking among the state's less affordable counties. The $814 monthly rent is nearly identical to Iowa's median, but Lee's depressed household incomes create the affordability squeeze.
Lee's affordability ranks below most peers
Lee's 16.3% ratio falls between Keokuk (16.2%) and Kossuth (15.7%), but lags well behind affordable Jones (12.5%), Jackson (13.4%), and Jasper (14.1%). The $814 rent is modest, yet Lee's lowest median household income in the eight-county cohort makes this county's housing burden distinctly tighter.
Lee's budget crunch is real for renters
Renters dedicate $814 monthly (16.3% of $59,803 income), leaving constrained resources for healthcare, transportation, and savings. Homeowners spend slightly more at $846 monthly, but the ultra-low median home value of $123,600 means purchasing could ease the burden for qualified buyers.
Lee County works best for homebuyers
If you're relocating to rent, Lee's affordability challenges (lowest incomes, highest rent ratio) argue for comparing Jones, Jackson, or Kossuth counties. But if you're buying, Lee's low home values ($123,600) and ownership costs ($846/month) offer genuine opportunity—especially if your incoming job income exceeds local wage levels.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lee County
Affordability Verdict
Lee County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $814/month representing approximately 16.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Lee County pay $814/month on average, compared to $846/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 $32,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,257/year. With a median household income of $59,803, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Lee County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Lee County sits 6% less expensive than Plymouth County ($865/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lee County
Rent Burden
16.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,395
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lee County
Median home value is $123,600. Estimated monthly cost: $987 vs. your max of $1,395.
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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