Cost of Living in Sac County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sac County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sac County ranks #324 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sac County, Iowa
Sac County rents rank well nationally
Renters in Sac County spend just 10.9% of their income on housing, well below the national average of 14.1%. At $643 per month, median rent is significantly cheaper than comparable communities across the country, making Sac County an affordable option for cost-conscious households.
Iowa's most affordable rental market
Sac County's 10.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks as one of the best in Iowa, beating the state average of 14.1%. With median rent at $643, the county sits $169 below Iowa's median of $812, offering genuine relief for renters statewide.
Cheaper than surrounding counties
Sac County's $643 monthly rent undercuts nearby Shelby County ($810) and Tama County ($865) substantially. The savings extend to homeownership too—median home values of $138,400 compare favorably to neighbors while maintaining the county's cost-of-living advantage.
Housing takes modest income share
With a median household income of $70,991, Sac County residents allocate just 10.9% to rent or 11.7% to mortgage payments. This leaves significantly more income for other necessities compared to Iowa's 14.1% average, providing financial breathing room for families.
Consider Sac County for affordability
If you're relocating to Iowa and prioritizing low housing costs, Sac County deserves serious consideration. With the state's best rent-to-income ratio and median rents $169 below the Iowa average, your paycheck stretches further here than almost anywhere else in the region.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sac County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Sac County is affordable. The median rent is $643/month against a median household income of $70,991, putting rent at 10.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $643/month rent versus $692/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $49/month cheaper — a 7% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,657/year. With a median household income of $70,991, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 17.0% of renter households in Sac County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Sac County is less affordable than Howard County by roughly 8% ($643/mo vs $699/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sac County
Rent Burden
10.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,656
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Sac County
Median home value is $138,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,105 vs. your max of $1,656.
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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