Cost of Living in Madison County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Madison County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Madison County ranks #716 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Madison County, Iowa
Madison: Highest Incomes in the Region
Madison County boasts the region's highest median household income at $89,542—$14,787 above the national average—which helps offset higher housing costs. With a rent-to-income ratio of 12.6%, Madison renters have among the most breathing room in the eight-county comparison.
Top Earners, Manageable Housing
Madison County's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks in Iowa's top tier for affordability, and median income of $89,542 is substantially above the state median. Renters here spend $938 monthly—well above state average of $812—but earn enough to keep the burden light.
Premium Rents, Premium Incomes
Madison's median rent of $938 ranks highest in the region after Linn County ($915), yet median income also tops all eight counties. This concentration of higher earners means housing costs, while elevated, remain proportionally manageable.
Income Advantage Offsets Higher Costs
Madison households earning $89,542 pay $938 in median rent (12.6% of income) or $1,378 in mortgages (18.4% of income). Strong incomes allow homeowners to manage $1,378 monthly costs that would stress households in lower-income counties.
Madison for Growing Professionals
If you're earning solid income and seeking a county with economic vitality, Madison County delivers with the region's highest median income and strong home values at $236,900. Higher housing costs reflect the area's prosperity and quality of life.
Cost of Living Advisory: Madison County
Affordability Verdict
Madison County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $938/month — about 12.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $938/month rent versus $1,378/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $440/month cheaper — a 32% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $59,057/year. With a median household income of $89,542, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Madison County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Jefferson County where rent averages $881/month, Madison County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Madison County
Rent Burden
12.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,089
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Madison County
Median home value is $236,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,891 vs. your max of $2,089.
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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