RentData

Average Rent in Audubon County, IA Rents rising 1.7% YoY🔻 4th cheapest in IA

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 5,622

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Audubon County, IA has rental prices ranging from $646/month to $1,163/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $792/month — 43% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $54,152/year, spending $792/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Audubon County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $877/month, Audubon County ranks #91 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Iowa — more affordable than 82% of all US cities in our data.

The Audubon County Rental Market

The Audubon County, IA area has a population of about 5,622 and 24% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Audubon County, IA have risen by $15/month (1.7%) over the past year, from $862 to $877. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Audubon County, IA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $31,680. The local median household income of $54,152 exceeds that threshold by $22,472, making Audubon County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Audubon County, IA has an unemployment rate of 2.4%, 1.5 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$646
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$792
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$877
1.7% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,057
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,163
Affordable
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Is Audubon County, IA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$35,080/year
Local median income: $54,152
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $877/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in IAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Omaha$990$1,052$1,261$1,675
Jasper County$707$711$920$1,265
Des Moines$954$1,017$1,216$1,632
Cedar Rapids$681$757$993$1,391
Iowa City$816$921$1,105$1,548
Waterloo$684$760$997$1,301

Rent or Buy in Audubon County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Audubon County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$877/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $877/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Audubon County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Audubon County

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💵Rent Affordability in Audubon County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in IA

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⚖️Compare Audubon County

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📋IA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections