Cost of Living in Taylor County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Taylor County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Taylor County ranks #306 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Taylor County, Iowa
Taylor County offers national-leading affordability
Taylor County renters spend just 12.6% of income on housing, matching Sioux County as the best performance against the national average of 14.1%. At $707 monthly, median rent ranks among Iowa's lowest, delivering genuine relief for cost-conscious households.
Among Iowa's most affordable counties
Taylor County's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 14.1%, placing it in Iowa's affordability elite. Median rent of $707 runs $105 below Iowa's median, making Taylor County a standout for renters prioritizing low costs.
Competitive with most affordable rural peers
Taylor County's $707 rent nearly matches Sac County ($643) and beats Shelby ($810) and Tama ($865) substantially. Median home values of $109,700—lowest in this survey—reinforce Taylor County's status as a genuine affordability destination.
Housing takes modest income share
With median income of $67,279, Taylor County residents allocate just 12.6% to rent or 13.8% to mortgage payments, providing exceptional financial flexibility. This leaves substantially more income for savings, investments, and living expenses compared to state norms.
Taylor County maximizes housing affordability
If affordability is your top priority, Taylor County delivers both lowest rents and lowest home values in this Iowa survey. At $707 monthly rent and exceptional cost ratios, Taylor County enables maximum household financial flexibility—ideal for those relocating to stretch every dollar.
Cost of Living Advisory: Taylor County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Taylor County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $707/month in gross rent, with 19.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Taylor County is $707/month, while owner costs run $776/month. Renting saves approximately $69/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,257/year. With a median household income of $67,279, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Taylor County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Taylor County is less affordable than Jones County by roughly 7% ($707/mo vs $759/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Taylor County
Rent Burden
12.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,570
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Taylor County
Median home value is $109,700. Estimated monthly cost: $876 vs. your max of $1,570.
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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