Cost of Living in Polk County, IA
Population 503,175 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Polk County, IA is $1,149/month, 18% higher than the Iowa median and 19% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $262,100, 21% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $83,576 a year, 11% higher than the state median.
Affordability
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Polk County vs. Iowa vs. U.S.
| Polk County | Iowa | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,149 | $972 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $262,100 | $208,000 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $83,576 | $75,059 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 67.4% | 71.7% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 40.3% | 31.4% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 10.3% | 11.1% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 3.6% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 15.7% | 11.3% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 36.2 | 38.6 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Polk County, IA?
The median gross rent in Polk County, IA is $1,149 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Polk County, IA?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $45,960 a year in gross income.
Is Polk County, IA expensive to live in?
Rent there is 19% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 3.1 times the median household income.
Other counties in Iowa
Counties with a similar cost of living
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.
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