HomeRule

Most affordable counties in Iowa

Ranking of counties in Iowa by what a typical household can afford at five income brackets. Monthly budget is 30% of gross income compared against Census ACS median owner cost with mortgage.

Iowa AMI (4-person)
$99,800
HUD Income Limits
Counties with cost data
99
of 99 total
30%+ cost burdened
30.0%
HUD CHAS
Severely burdened (50%+)
13.0%

Iowa vs national cost burden

Share of households paying 30%+ and 50%+ of income on housing (HUD CHAS).

Top 10 most affordable counties overall

Lowest median monthly owner cost with mortgage.

  1. 1.Wright County
    $980/mo
  2. 2.Emmet County
    $1,003/mo
  3. 3.Franklin County
    $1,005/mo
  4. 4.Montgomery County
    $1,035/mo
  5. 5.Ida County
    $1,038/mo
  6. 6.Audubon County
    $1,053/mo
  7. 7.Calhoun County
    $1,067/mo
  8. 8.Sac County
    $1,084/mo
  9. 9.Page County
    $1,090/mo
  10. 10.Greene County
    $1,096/mo

Affordability by income bracket

Counties whose median owner cost fits under 30% of gross monthly income at each bracket.

Low income · $35,000/yr
around 50% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $875
0 affordable

No counties in Iowa fit under 30% at this income. Consider a higher down payment, different bracket, or a neighboring state.

Moderate income · $60,000/yr
around 80% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $1,500
89 affordable
Middle income · $90,000/yr
around 120% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $2,250
99 affordable
Upper middle · $140,000/yr
well above AMI · 30% monthly budget $3,500
99 affordable
High income · $200,000/yr
top quartile nationally · 30% monthly budget $5,000
99 affordable
Median owner cost statewide
$1,283
Census ACS, with-mortgage households.
Median household income
$67,480
Census ACS, state-level.

Browse other states

All states and the nationwide affordability map →

Frequently asked questions

How many counties in Iowa are affordable on a $60k income?

At $60k household income, about 89 out of 99 Iowa counties with reported data keep median owner cost under the 30% rule (roughly $1,500/mo).

What share of Iowa households are cost burdened?

HUD CHAS 2017-2021 shows 30.0% of Iowa households pay 30% or more of income on housing, with 13.0% severely burdened at 50% or more.

What counts as median income in Iowa?

HUD's area median income for a 4-person household in Iowa is $99,800 (most recent HUD Income Limits release). 80% AMI: $79,850; 50% AMI: $49,900.

How is affordability calculated on this page?

For each county, we compare the Census ACS median monthly owner cost with mortgage against 30% of monthly household income at five income brackets. Counties with monthly costs at or below the budget are counted as 'affordable' at that income.

Data sources

Disclaimer. HomeRule is not a real estate agent, lender, appraiser, or financial advisor. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Actual costs vary significantly by property, location, and individual circumstances. Consult qualified professionals for personalized advice.