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
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.
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
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.