Cost of Living in Monroe County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Monroe County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Monroe County, Iowa
Monroe County provides solid rental balance
Monroe County renters spend 13.0% of income on housing, comfortably within the national affordability sweet spot and below the 15-20% stress threshold. With a median household income of $72,518—just slightly below the national average of $74,755—residents maintain reasonable financial flexibility for housing costs.
Better than Iowa's state average
Monroe County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.0% beats Iowa's state average of 14.1%, positioning it among the state's more livable counties for renters. At $787 monthly rent against the state median of $812, Monroe delivers below-average housing costs with near-average income levels.
Middle ground in the region
Monroe County renters pay $787 monthly with a 13.0% housing burden, placing it between lower-cost Mitchell County ($739, 12.9%) and higher-stress Monona County ($795, 15.2%). This positions Monroe as a balanced option for those seeking moderate rents without the income constraints of Monona County.
Reasonable costs across housing types
Monroe County renters spend 13.0% of their $72,518 income on $787 monthly rent, while homebuyers invest $900 monthly on properties valued at $135,900. Both pathways demand roughly equivalent proportions of income, offering renters and buyers roughly equal monthly affordability.
Stable housing market for pragmatists
Monroe County offers a reliable, middle-of-the-road housing option: modest rents, reasonable incomes, and balanced affordability across rental and ownership paths. If you're seeking a stable Iowa county without extreme cost pressures or income constraints, Monroe delivers that steady foundation.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Monroe County
Rent Burden
13.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,692
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Monroe County
Median home value is $135,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,085 vs. your max of $1,692.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.