Cost of Living in Lucas County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lucas County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lucas County ranks #995 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 32%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lucas County, Iowa
Lucas County: Budget-Friendly Rents
Lucas County residents enjoy a 13.0% rent-to-income ratio, sitting comfortably below the national benchmark and Iowa's state average of 14.1%. With median rent of just $738 and median income of $67,921, housing remains accessible despite slightly lower earnings.
Second-Best Affordability in Iowa
Lucas County's 13.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-best in Iowa, beaten only by Louisa County. At $738 monthly rent—$74 below the state average—Lucas offers genuine relief for renters watching their housing costs.
Cheapest Rent in the Region
Lucas County's $738 median rent is the lowest among the eight-county sample, substantially below Louisa ($797) and nearly $100 cheaper than Linn County. This affordability advantage persists despite Lucas having the third-lowest median income at $67,921.
Minimal Housing Burden
Lucas households earning $67,921 pay median rent of $738—just 13.0% of gross income, the best-balanced relationship in the region. Owner costs of $857 monthly run about 15% of income, leaving room for other essentials.
Lucas Delivers Maximum Affordability
If your priority is low rent in a rural setting, Lucas County is Iowa's answer with the region's cheapest housing. The tradeoff: median income is slightly lower than neighboring counties, so weigh job prospects carefully before relocating.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lucas County
Affordability Verdict
Lucas County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $738/month representing approximately 13.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Lucas County is $738/month, while owner costs run $857/month. Renting saves approximately $119/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,729/year. With a median household income of $67,921, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Lucas County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Van Buren County where rent averages $686/month, Lucas County is approximately 8% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lucas County
Rent Burden
13.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,585
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lucas County
Median home value is $117,000. Estimated monthly cost: $934 vs. your max of $1,585.
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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