Cost of Living in Monona County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Monona County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Monona County ranks #647 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 21%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Monona County, Iowa
Monona County faces affordability pressures
Monona County renters spend 15.2% of income on housing—above the national comfort zone of 12-15%—signaling emerging affordability stress in this market. With a median household income of $62,944, well below the national average of $74,755, residents here have less financial cushion for rising housing costs.
Above-average housing burden in Iowa
Monona County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% exceeds Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it among the state's less affordable counties. Renters pay $795 monthly—slightly below the state median of $812—but incomes are substantially lower, creating the affordability squeeze.
Stretched thin compared to neighbors
Monona County renters spend 15.2% of income on $795 rent, outpacing nearby Mills County (12.1%) and Mitchell County (12.9%) in housing burden. Only Muscatine County (16.7%) faces worse affordability pressure, reflecting Monona's position in the region's lower-income tier.
Renting eats more of the budget
Monona County renters dedicate 15.2% of their $62,944 income to $795 monthly rent, while homebuyers pay $726 for properties worth $122,600. The affordability gap between renting and buying is notable here—homeownership offers meaningful monthly savings for those who can access it.
Consider ownership if possible here
Monona County presents a case study in regional affordability gaps: renters face above-average cost burdens while homeownership remains within reach at lower monthly payments. If relocating, weigh whether you can qualify for ownership, as it delivers substantially better affordability than renting in this county.
Cost of Living Advisory: Monona County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Monona County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $795/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Monona County is $795/month, while owner costs run $726/month. Owning saves approximately $69/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,114/year. With a median household income of $62,944, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Monona County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Monona County is more affordable than Delaware County by roughly 7% ($795/mo vs $743/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Monona County
Rent Burden
15.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,469
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Monona County
Median home value is $122,600. Estimated monthly cost: $979 vs. your max of $1,469.
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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