Cost of Living in Lyon County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lyon County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lyon County ranks #259 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 8%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lyon County, Iowa
Lyon's Housing Costs Stay Reasonable
Lyon County renters dedicate 13.2% of their income to rent, below both the national average and Iowa's state average of 14.1%. With median income of $72,881 and median rent of $802, housing remains affordable while maintaining economic viability.
Well Above Average in Affordability
Lyon County's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Iowa's more affordable counties, outperforming the state average by nearly a full percentage point. Renters here spend $802 monthly on rent—$10 less than the state average—creating real savings.
Competitive Pricing in the Region
Lyon's median rent of $802 sits right at the state average and is affordable compared to Linn County ($915) and Marion County ($880). However, Lyon carries notably higher home values at $215,600—the second-highest in the region after Madison County.
Balanced Housing-to-Income Ratio
Lyon County households earning $72,881 spend $802 on median rent (13.2% of income) or $962 on mortgages (16% of income). This leaves a reasonable cushion for other living expenses compared to counties where housing consumes over 14% of income.
Lyon: Affordable Rents, Strong Homes
Lyon County appeals to renters seeking below-average costs and potential homebuyers interested in valuable properties at $215k median value. The county balances rural character with economic stability, making it worth considering if you're relocating within Iowa.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lyon County
Affordability Verdict
Lyon County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $802/month representing approximately 13.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 23.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Lyon County pay $802/month on average, compared to $962/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 17%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,229/year. With a median household income of $72,881, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Lyon County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Lyon County sits 6% less expensive than Hamilton County ($853/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lyon County
Rent Burden
13.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,701
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.8%
of gross income
The median home in Lyon County may be a stretch
Median home value is $215,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,721 vs. your max of $1,701.
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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