Cost of Living in Wayne County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wayne County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wayne County ranks #381 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wayne County, Iowa
Wayne offers exceptional rental affordability
Wayne County residents spend just 13.4% of household income on rent—among the best affordability metrics in the nation and well below Iowa's 14.1% state average. At $660 monthly, Wayne's rents are $152 cheaper than the state median, delivering genuine value.
Wayne ranks among Iowa's most affordable
Wayne County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio places it in Iowa's top tier for affordability, competing with the state's most budget-friendly counties. This ranking reflects both modest rents and a tight-knit community where housing remains genuinely accessible.
Cheapest rents in the southeast Iowa region
Wayne's $660 monthly rent is the lowest in its cluster of counties—$26 cheaper than Van Buren, $176 below Wapello, and $202 below Warren. Combined with a median home value of just $102,300, Wayne delivers unmatched affordability for the region.
Minimal housing burden leaves room to breathe
Wayne households earning $59,118 annually spend $660 on rent, consuming just 13.4% of gross income and leaving over $4,800 yearly for other priorities. Homebuyers at $737 monthly similarly enjoy exceptional affordability, making Wayne attractive for budget-conscious families.
Wayne County: Iowa's affordability champion
If you're relocating to Iowa on a tight budget, Wayne County delivers the state's most affordable rents ($660) and entry-level home prices ($102,300). The county's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio means your paycheck stretches further here than nearly anywhere else in Iowa.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wayne County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Wayne County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $660/month in gross rent, with 23.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Wayne County pay $660/month on average, compared to $737/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 10%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,586/year. With a median household income of $59,118, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Wayne County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Cherokee County where rent averages $711/month, Wayne County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wayne County
Rent Burden
13.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,379
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Wayne County
Median home value is $102,300. Estimated monthly cost: $817 vs. your max of $1,379.
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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