Cost of Living in Page County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Page County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Page County ranks #1,317 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 42%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Page County, Iowa
Page County rents bite harder than nation
At 15.2% of household income, Page County renters spend more than a percentage point above the national average for housing costs. The median rent of $731 per month is affordable in dollar terms, but against a median household income of $57,752—well below the national median of $74,755—housing absorbs a meaningful share of monthly budgets.
Slightly above Iowa's affordability line
Page County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% ranks it above Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it in the middle tier of affordability across the state. While renters here face tighter budgets than the typical Iowan, ownership costs remain relatively modest compared to the state average.
Cheaper than regional competition
Page County's $731 monthly rent undercuts nearby Pottawattamie County ($970) and Poweshiek County ($864), making it an attractive option for renters seeking rural affordability. Neighboring Ringgold County offers similar rent levels at $745, but Page's lower income levels mean renters here dedicate a larger share of earnings to housing.
Rent and mortgage demands split income
Renters pay $731 monthly while homeowners spend $755 in mortgage costs, creating nearly equal housing burdens across tenure types. With a median household income of $57,752, housing costs consume roughly 15% of income for renters and 16% for owners, leaving limited cushion for other expenses.
Affordable rural living with caveats
Page County delivers some of Iowa's most affordable rents and home values ($120,000 median), but prospective residents should note that local incomes run below state and national averages. Families relocating here for affordability should verify employment prospects before committing, as housing is cheap primarily because wages are lower.
Cost of Living Advisory: Page County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Page County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $731/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Page County pay $731/month on average, compared to $755/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,357/year. With a median household income of $57,752, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Page County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Page County is less affordable than Montgomery County by roughly 7% ($731/mo vs $782/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Page County
Rent Burden
15.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,348
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Page County
Median home value is $120,000. Estimated monthly cost: $958 vs. your max of $1,348.
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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