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Cost of Living in Story County, IA

Population 100,466 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$1,018
Median home value$258,700
Median household income$69,685

The median rent in Story County, IA is $1,018/month, 5% higher than the Iowa median and 28% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $258,700, 22% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $69,685 a year, 7% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 17.5%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $40,720/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 3.7×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $1,308/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Story County vs. Iowa vs. U.S.

Story CountyIowaU.S.
Median rent$1,018$972$1,413
Median home value$258,700$208,000$332,700
Median household income$69,685$75,059$80,734
Homeownership rate55.5%71.7%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher54.8%31.4%35.7%
Poverty rate18.2%11.1%12.5%
Unemployment rate4.8%3.6%5.2%
Work from home11.8%11.3%15.1%
Median age26.938.638.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Story County, IA?

The median gross rent in Story County, IA is $1,018 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

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

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $40,720 a year in gross income.

Is Story County, IA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 28% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 3.7 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

St. Louis County, MNRent $1,013 · Income $70,069Nelson County, KYRent $1,008 · Income $69,562Lancaster County, VARent $1,033 · Income $69,713Howard County, TXRent $1,034 · Income $69,649Rusk County, TXRent $1,015 · Income $68,658Allen County, INRent $1,021 · Income $70,737

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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