Cost of Living in Louisa County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Louisa County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Louisa County ranks #485 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 15%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Louisa County, Iowa
Louisa Breaks Free of Housing Stress
Louisa County renters spend just 11.9% of their income on rent—well below both the national average and Iowa's state average of 14.1%. With a median household income of $80,223 and median rent of only $797, Louisa offers rare affordability.
Iowa's Most Affordable County
Louisa County ranks among Iowa's best for housing affordability, with the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 11.9%. That's 2.2 percentage points below the state average, meaning renters here keep more money in their pockets than their neighbors statewide.
Clear Winner in the Region
At $797 monthly rent, Louisa beats all but Lucas County ($738) in the eight-county comparison, while maintaining the second-highest median income at $80,223. This combination makes Louisa one of the best deals in central Iowa.
Rents Won't Squeeze Your Wallet
Louisa households earning $80,223 annually spend about $797 on median rent—just 11.9% of gross income, the healthiest ratio in the region. Owner costs average $872 monthly, or about 13% of income, leaving substantial breathing room for savings and other expenses.
Louisa: Affordability Without Sacrifice
Relocating to Louisa County means housing costs that won't eat up your paycheck while you maintain a solid median income of $80k. If rural charm and low rent appeal to you, this county delivers both at rates few other Iowa counties can match.
Cost of Living Advisory: Louisa County
Affordability Verdict
Louisa County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $797/month — about 11.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Louisa County is $797/month, while owner costs run $872/month. Renting saves approximately $75/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,371/year. With a median household income of $80,223, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Louisa County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Ringgold County where rent averages $745/month, Louisa County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Louisa County
Rent Burden
11.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,872
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Louisa County
Median home value is $137,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,099 vs. your max of $1,872.
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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