Cost of Living in Union County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Union County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Union County ranks #1,233 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Union County, Iowa
Union County faces affordability headwinds
Union County renters spend 14.4% of income on housing, slightly above the national average of 14.1%, while earning notably below-average wages of $56,813. This combination—lower income paired with average housing costs—creates genuine affordability pressure for residents.
Lowest income paired with average costs
Union County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio matches the state average, but median household income of $56,813 trails Iowa by nearly $18,000. This income disadvantage makes housing costs feel proportionally heavier despite reasonable absolute rent levels of $683.
Lowest income in the region
Union County's median income of $56,813 significantly lags peer counties—nearly $8,000 below Taylor County and $28,000 below Sioux County—while rent of $683 runs higher than the most affordable peers. Home values of $117,800 reflect the county's lower economic baseline.
Housing burden heaviest on lowest earners
Residents earning just $56,813 allocate 14.4% to rent or 17.3% to mortgage payments—a proportionally larger share of more limited resources. This leaves less financial cushion for emergencies or savings compared to higher-earning Iowa counties.
Union County requires careful planning
Union County combines modest housing costs with Iowa's lowest incomes, making it viable only if relocation includes job prospects or income growth. Before moving, confirm local employment will match or exceed current earnings; otherwise, the affordability math becomes challenging despite reasonable rent levels.
Cost of Living Advisory: Union County
Affordability Verdict
Union County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $683/month — about 14.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $683/month rent versus $822/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $139/month cheaper — a 17% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,229/year. With a median household income of $56,813, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Union County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Union County is less affordable than Lucas County by roughly 7% ($683/mo vs $738/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Union County
Rent Burden
14.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,326
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Union County
Median home value is $117,800. Estimated monthly cost: $940 vs. your max of $1,326.
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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