Counties › Iowa

Cost of Living in Hamilton County, IA

Population 14,886 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$877
Median home value$156,400
Median household income$72,432

The median rent in Hamilton County, IA is $877/month, 10% lower than the Iowa median and 38% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $156,400, 53% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $72,432 a year, 3% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 14.5%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $35,080/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 2.2×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $791/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Hamilton County vs. Iowa vs. U.S.

Hamilton CountyIowaU.S.
Median rent$877$972$1,413
Median home value$156,400$208,000$332,700
Median household income$72,432$75,059$80,734
Homeownership rate73.4%71.7%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher22.8%31.4%35.7%
Poverty rate7.4%11.1%12.5%
Unemployment rate4.8%3.6%5.2%
Work from home6.1%11.3%15.1%
Median age41.738.638.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Hamilton County, IA?

The median gross rent in Hamilton County, IA is $877 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Hamilton County, IA?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $35,080 a year in gross income.

Is Hamilton County, IA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 38% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 2.2 times the median household income.

Other counties in Iowa

Polk County, IARent $1,149 · Income $83,576Linn County, IARent $945 · Income $77,649Scott County, IARent $1,005 · Income $78,277Johnson County, IARent $1,122 · Income $74,935Black Hawk County, IARent $989 · Income $66,417Dallas County, IARent $1,311 · Income $102,379

Counties with a similar cost of living

Otter Tail County, MNRent $868 · Income $72,255Pine County, MNRent $877 · Income $71,146Fremont County, IDRent $864 · Income $72,683Lincoln County, WARent $883 · Income $71,512Wayne County, OHRent $881 · Income $73,574Fulton County, OHRent $863 · Income $72,864

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

Explore more

Wix Alternatives for Small Businesses & Freelancers (2026)Best Web Hosting for First-Time Site Owners (2026)Mortgage Payment CalculatorDiscount CalculatorPlay: Tide Pool PopPlay: Orbit Dodge
Get the best finds weekly

New tools, top deals and new pages — one short email a week. No spam.