Cost of Living in Iron County, Utah
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Iron County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Iron County ranks #1,913 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Iron County, Utah
Iron County rents above U.S. average
Iron County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average, placing renters here in a tighter squeeze than typical Americans. With median rent at $1,008 per month against a median household income of $65,527, housing costs consume a meaningful chunk of local paychecks.
Above-average affordability pressure in Utah
Iron County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% sits above Utah's state average of 16.6%, ranking it among the less affordable counties for renters. The median rent of $1,008 approaches the state median, despite household incomes below the state norm.
More expensive than Garfield and Millard
Iron County's $1,008 rent exceeds nearby Garfield ($781) and Millard ($897), reflecting Cedar City's growth as a regional hub. However, median home values ($342,900) are lower than Grand County's ($480,900), offering better homebuying prospects despite rental pressures.
Renting takes a bigger bite than buying
Renters allocate 18.5% of the $65,527 median income to rent ($1,008/month), while homeowners dedicate 21.8% to mortgage costs ($1,189/month). Iron County presents a paradox: homeownership costs more, yet rents already strain household budgets significantly.
Cedar City area costs rising
Iron County's growing housing expenses warrant close comparison with more affordable neighbors like Garfield and Millard if you're relocating to the region. Consider whether Cedar City's amenities justify higher housing costs relative to smaller surrounding communities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Iron County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Iron County is affordable. The median rent is $1,008/month against a median household income of $65,527, putting rent at 18.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Iron County pay $1,008/month on average, compared to $1,189/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 15%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $50,957/year. With a median household income of $65,527, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Iron County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Utah, Iron County is more affordable than Duchesne County by roughly 8% ($1,008/mo vs $934/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Iron County
Rent Burden
18.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,529
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.8%
of gross income
The median home in Iron County may be a stretch
Median home value is $342,900. Estimated monthly cost: $2,737 vs. your max of $1,529.
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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