Cost of Living in Webster County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Webster County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Webster County ranks #2,425 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Webster County, Iowa
Webster rents deliver solid affordability
Webster County residents spend 13.4% of household income on rent, matching Iowa's best performers and beating the state average of 14.1%. At $762 monthly, rents here are $50 below the state median, offering reliable affordability for modest-income households.
Among Iowa's most affordable counties
Webster County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the top performers statewide, competing with the state's best affordability stories. This strong showing reflects the county's economic balance between reasonable wages and moderate housing costs.
Balanced costs within central Iowa cluster
Webster's $762 rent sits between Wayne ($660) and Washington ($862), positioning it as a moderate option in the broader region. Its median home value of $138,500 is affordable without being rock-bottom, appealing to middle-income buyers seeking reasonable entry points.
Webster provides comfortable affordability balance
With $68,054 in median income and $762 monthly rent, Webster households dedicate 13.4% of gross income to housing, preserving nearly $6,000 annually for other expenses. Homebuyers at $832 monthly face similar proportions, making Webster accessible for both renters and owners.
Webster offers practical Iowa balance
Relocating to Iowa? Webster County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio and moderate home values ($138,500) provide solid affordability without the lowest-cost stigma of rural alternatives. The county suits those seeking genuine value in a balanced community.
Cost of Living Advisory: Webster County
Affordability Verdict
Webster County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $762/month representing approximately 13.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 25.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Webster County pay $762/month on average, compared to $832/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 8%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,657/year. With a median household income of $68,054, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Webster County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Webster County is more affordable than Cherokee County by roughly 7% ($762/mo vs $711/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Webster County
Rent Burden
13.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,588
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Webster County
Median home value is $138,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,106 vs. your max of $1,588.
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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