Cost of Living in Poweshiek County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Poweshiek County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Poweshiek County ranks #1,916 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Poweshiek County, Iowa
Poweshiek rents eat into modest incomes
With a 16.0% rent-to-income ratio, Poweshiek County renters exceed the national average, spending $864 monthly against a median household income of $64,837—below both state and national medians. This combination creates meaningful housing affordability pressure for local renters.
Above-average rents, below-average incomes
Poweshiek County ranks among Iowa's least affordable counties, with a 16.0% rent-to-income ratio well above the state average of 14.1%. The high burden reflects above-average rents paired with below-average local incomes.
Higher rents in a rural county
Poweshiek County's $864 rent exceeds most rural neighbors—Palo Alto County ($599), Pocahontas County ($743), and Page County ($731)—but trails the metro-influenced Pottawattamie County ($970). The relatively high rural rent likely reflects its proximity to small college towns like Grinnell.
Ownership significantly more expensive
Renters pay $864 monthly while homeowners spend $1,060, with median home values at $184,200—creating a steep 23% ownership premium. Against the $64,837 median income, renters spend 16% while owners commit 19.7%—making renting substantially more accessible here.
Renters find better value than buyers
Relocating to Poweshiek County makes more sense for renters than homebuyers, as ownership costs consume nearly a fifth of median income. The county's college-town character and above-average rents suggest it appeals to transient populations rather than long-term homebuyers.
Cost of Living Advisory: Poweshiek County
Affordability Verdict
Poweshiek County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $864/month — about 16.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Poweshiek County is $864/month, while owner costs run $1,060/month. Renting saves approximately $196/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $45,429/year. With a median household income of $64,837, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Poweshiek County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Fayette County where rent averages $813/month, Poweshiek County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Poweshiek County
Rent Burden
16.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,513
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Poweshiek County
Median home value is $184,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,471 vs. your max of $1,513.
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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