Cost of Living in Marshall County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Marshall County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Marshall County ranks #2,374 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Marshall County, Iowa
Marshall's Rents Track with National
Marshall County renters spend 14.2% of their income on rent, essentially at the national average and just above Iowa's state average of 14.1%. With median income of $72,785 and median rent of $860, the county sits right on the border of affordability.
Slightly Above State Average
Marshall County's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio edges above Iowa's state average, while median rent of $860 exceeds the state average of $812 by $48. This positions Marshall in the mid-to-upper range of housing costs statewide.
Above Average for the Region
Marshall's $860 median rent ranks fifth among the eight counties, trailing only Linn ($915) and Madison ($938) but beating Lucas and Louisa significantly. Home values of $134,100 are modest, suggesting housing demand isn't driving premium prices.
Housing Consumes More Here
Marshall households earning $72,785 spend $860 on median rent (14.2% of income) or $934 on mortgages (15.4% of income). These ratios represent some of the tighter housing burdens in the region, leaving less discretionary income than neighboring counties.
Marshall Works for Budget-Conscious
If you're relocating to Iowa and prioritize affordability, Marshall County's moderate income and rents work better than Linn or Madison but offer less value than Louisa or Lucas. Visit to assess job markets and community fit, as housing costs alone don't tell the full story.
Cost of Living Advisory: Marshall County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Marshall County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $860/month in gross rent, with 23.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $860/month rent versus $934/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $74/month cheaper — a 8% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,029/year. With a median household income of $72,785, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Marshall County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Marshall County is less affordable than Linn County by roughly 6% ($860/mo vs $915/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Marshall County
Rent Burden
14.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,698
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Marshall County
Median home value is $134,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,071 vs. your max of $1,698.
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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