Cost of Living in Shelby County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Shelby County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Shelby County ranks #190 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Shelby County, Iowa
Shelby County near national affordability benchmark
Shelby County renters spend 14.4% of income on housing, just slightly above the national average of 14.1%. At $810 monthly, median rent tracks closely with national patterns, positioning Shelby County as a reasonably affordable Midwest option.
Middle ground in Iowa rental market
With a 14.4% rent-to-income ratio, Shelby County ranks near Iowa's 14.1% state average, making it a typical affordability case statewide. Median rent of $810 sits just $2 below Iowa's median, reflecting the county's status as a rural mainstream market.
Moderate costs between rural and urban
Shelby County's $810 rent falls between affordable rural counties like Sac ($643) and pricier neighbors like Scott County ($958). Home values of $156,200 maintain this middle-of-the-pack positioning, making Shelby a balanced choice for those weighing cost and access.
Housing costs align with income
On a $67,690 median income, Shelby County residents dedicate 14.4% to rent or 16.4% to mortgage payments, slightly above state norms but manageable. This allocation leaves reasonable resources for savings and living expenses without severe housing burden.
Shelby County offers balanced affordability
If you want Iowa living without either extreme low rural costs or urban pricing, Shelby County splits the difference effectively. At $810 rent and reasonable home values, the county provides solid value for families seeking stability over urban amenities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Shelby County
Affordability Verdict
Shelby County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $810/month representing approximately 14.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $810/month rent versus $925/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $115/month cheaper — a 12% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $39,643/year. With a median household income of $67,690, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Shelby County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Jones County where rent averages $759/month, Shelby County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Shelby County
Rent Burden
14.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,579
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Shelby County
Median home value is $156,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,247 vs. your max of $1,579.
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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