Average Rent in Boone County, IA↓ Rents falling 12.4% YoY🔻 3rd cheapest in IA
HUD FY2021 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 26,669
Market Overview
Boone County, IA has rental prices ranging from $572/month to $1,226/month in 2021, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $626/month — 55% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $79,741/year, spending $626/month on a 1-bedroom represents 9% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Boone County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $788/month, Boone County ranks #92 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Iowa — more affordable than 97% of all US cities in our data.
The Boone County Rental Market
The Boone County, IA area has a population of about 26,669 and 19% 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 Boone County, IA have fallen by $112/month (12.4%) over the past year, from $900 to $788. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Boone County, IA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $25,040. The local median household income of $79,741 exceeds that threshold by $54,701, making Boone County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Boone County, IA has an unemployment rate of 2.9%, 1.0 percentage point 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 FY2021Is Boone County, IA Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in IAlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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 Boone County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Boone County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Boone County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Boone CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in IASee how Boone County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Boone CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋IA Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections