Cost of Living in Linn County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Linn County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Linn County ranks #2,488 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 21%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Linn County, Iowa
Linn's Rent Burden Slightly Above National
Linn County renters spend 14.4% of their income on rent, compared to the national average of roughly 14%. Median income here is $76,421—slightly above the national median of $74,755—which helps keep housing costs manageable for most households.
Middle of the Pack in Iowa
Linn County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it in the middle range of Iowa counties. At $915 monthly rent versus the state average of $812, renters here pay slightly more, but income levels help offset that difference.
Pricier Than Most Neighbors
Linn's median rent of $915 runs higher than nearby Louisa County ($797) and Lucas County ($738), though those counties have lower median incomes too. Among the eight-county region, Linn ranks third in rental costs, offering more urban amenities and economic activity to match.
Monthly Housing Reality Check
A typical Linn County household earning $76,421 annually faces $915 in monthly rent or $1,232 in mortgage costs. That means renters dedicate roughly 14% of gross income to rent, while homeowners shoulder about 19% for mortgage, property tax, and insurance.
Consider Linn for Balanced Living
If you're weighing Iowa options, Linn County offers strong income potential ($76k median) with housing costs that won't drain your budget. Explore neighboring Lucas or Louisa counties if you want even lower rent, but you'll likely trade off urban job markets and services.
Cost of Living Advisory: Linn County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Linn County is affordable. The median rent is $915/month against a median household income of $76,421, putting rent at 14.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Linn County pay $915/month on average, compared to $1,232/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 26%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $52,800/year. With a median household income of $76,421, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Linn County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Muscatine County where rent averages $966/month, Linn County is approximately 5% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Linn County
Rent Burden
14.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,783
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Linn County
Median home value is $204,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,632 vs. your max of $1,783.
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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