Cost of Living in Mahaska County, Iowa

$821/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$140,900

Median Home Value

1% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$821/mo

1% above state average

Median Home Value

$140,900

50% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

21.0%

% 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 Mahaska County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Mahaska County$821/mo

Iowa Average$812/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$821/mo

Median Gross Rent

$140,900

Median Home Value

$865/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

21.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Mahaska County, Iowa

Mahaska Just Above National Average

Mahaska County renters spend 14.3% of their income on rent, slightly above the national average and marginally above Iowa's state average of 14.1%. With median income of $69,019 and median rent of $821, housing costs are rising faster than income growth here.

Middle-Tier Affordability Statewide

Mahaska County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio sits nearly in line with Iowa's 14.1% average, placing it in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. Median rent of $821 runs $9 above the state average, indicating typical pricing for the region.

Moderate Costs in the Region

Mahaska's $821 median rent falls in the mid-range of the eight-county sample, higher than Lucas and Louisa but lower than Linn and Madison. With median income of $69,019—among the lower end—the burden feels heavier proportionally than in higher-earning counties.

Housing Takes a Fair Share

Mahaska households earning $69,019 annually pay $821 in median rent (14.3% of income) or $865 in mortgage costs (15% of income). At these ratios, housing consumes a noticeably larger piece of the budget than in more affluent neighboring counties.

Mahaska: Solid but Tight

Mahaska County works best if you can secure above-median income; average earners will find housing costs consuming more of their budget than in nearby Louisa or Lucas counties. The trade-off is reasonable access to services and a more connected community feel.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Mahaska County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

14.3%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,610

per month

Owner Cost Burden

15.0%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Mahaska County

Median home value is $140,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,125 vs. your max of $1,610.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio14.3%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Mahaska County, Iowa?

Mahaska County, Iowa has a median monthly rent of $821/mo and a median home value of $140,900. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 21.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Mahaska County?

The median gross rent in Mahaska County is $821/mo. This is 1% above state average for Iowa.

Is Mahaska County affordable?

Mahaska County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 21.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Mahaska County's rent compare to the state average?

Mahaska County's median rent of $821/mo is 1% above state average of $812/mo for Iowa.

What is the median home value in Mahaska County?

The median home value in Mahaska County, Iowa is $140,900. This is 50% below the national median home value of $281,900.