Cost of Living in Louisa County, Iowa

$797/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$137,600
Median Home Value
2% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$797/mo
2% below state average
Median Home Value
$137,600
51% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
19.0%
% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating
Unaffordable
Rent over 50% of income

How Louisa County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Louisa County$797/mo
Iowa Average$812/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$797/mo
Median Gross Rent
$137,600
Median Home Value
$872/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
19.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

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

Your rent-to-income ratio11.9%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Louisa County, Iowa?
Louisa County, Iowa has a median monthly rent of $797/mo and a median home value of $137,600. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 19.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Louisa County?
The median gross rent in Louisa County is $797/mo. This is 2% below state average for Iowa.
Is Louisa County affordable?
Louisa County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 19.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Louisa County's rent compare to the state average?
Louisa County's median rent of $797/mo is 2% below state average of $812/mo for Iowa.
What is the median home value in Louisa County?
The median home value in Louisa County, Iowa is $137,600. This is 51% below the national median home value of $281,900.
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.