Cost of Living in Sioux County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sioux County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sioux County ranks #667 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 21%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sioux County, Iowa
Sioux County combines strong income and affordability
Sioux County renters spend just 12.6% of income on housing—better than the national average of 14.1%—while earning above-average wages of $84,736. This combination makes Sioux County one of Iowa's most financially comfortable counties for housing.
Best income relative to Iowa standard
With median household income of $84,736, Sioux County significantly outearns Iowa's typical household, and its 12.6% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 14.1%. This advantage reflects strong agricultural and manufacturing economies supporting family financial security.
Higher income offsets higher home prices
Though median home values of $235,600 rank highest among rural peers, Sioux County households earn substantially more—$84,736 versus $70,991 in Sac County. This income advantage allows residents to comfortably absorb higher housing costs while maintaining strong affordability ratios.
Highest earnings support housing stability
Sioux County residents earning $84,736 allocate just 12.6% to rent or 15.4% to mortgage payments, the most favorable balance in this survey. Their above-average income provides genuine financial cushion for housing, savings, and other priorities.
Sioux County: affordability through earning power
Moving to Sioux County means earning more and spending less of it on housing—a rare combination in rural Iowa. If you work in agriculture, food processing, or local manufacturing, Sioux County's strong job market and income levels make housing highly manageable despite premium home prices.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sioux County
Affordability Verdict
Sioux County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $888/month representing approximately 12.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 25.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Sioux County pay $888/month on average, compared to $1,090/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 19%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $46,714/year. With a median household income of $84,736, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Sioux County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Clarke County where rent averages $836/month, Sioux County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sioux County
Rent Burden
12.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,977
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Sioux County
Median home value is $235,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,881 vs. your max of $1,977.
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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