Cost of Living in Pocahontas County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pocahontas County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pocahontas County ranks #253 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 8%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pocahontas County, Iowa
Pocahontas achieves near-perfect affordability
At precisely 14.1%—matching Iowa's state average—Pocahontas County sits right at the affordability sweet spot for renters. A median monthly rent of $743 paired with a median household income of $63,423 places housing costs in the manageable range, though income levels run below national averages.
Right at Iowa's affordability middle
Pocahontas County's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio perfectly mirrors the state average, marking it as a representative Iowa county for housing affordability. This balanced position reflects typical rental market conditions across the state.
Affordable rents in a rural pocket
Pocahontas County's $743 rent undercuts regional neighbors Pottawattamie County ($970) and Poweshiek County ($864) while remaining comparable to Ringgold County ($745). Local incomes here run lower than in Plymouth and Pottawattamie counties, but rents maintain a rural-affordable profile.
Renting significantly cheaper than owning
Renters pay $743 monthly while homeowners spend $644—making ownership surprisingly affordable despite lower median home values of $93,300. This rare advantage favors both renters and buyers, as homeownership costs remain modest relative to rental markets.
Rural charm with balanced housing costs
Pocahontas County suits relocating families seeking genuine rural affordability without extreme housing stress. The exceptional affordability of homeownership relative to renting makes this county particularly attractive for those ready to build equity through purchase.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pocahontas County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Pocahontas County is affordable. The median rent is $743/month against a median household income of $63,423, putting rent at 14.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $743/month rent versus $644/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $99/month cheaper — a 13% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,600/year. With a median household income of $63,423, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Pocahontas County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Pocahontas County is less affordable than Monona County by roughly 7% ($743/mo vs $795/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pocahontas County
Rent Burden
14.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,480
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Pocahontas County
Median home value is $93,300. Estimated monthly cost: $745 vs. your max of $1,480.
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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