RentData

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

Data review: HUD FY2021Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction
⚠️ Data notice: The most recent HUD data available for this area is FY2021. HUD may have reclassified this metro — figures may not reflect current market conditions.

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 FY2021
Studio
$572
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$626
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$788
12.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,037
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,226
Affordable
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Is 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)

To rent a 2BR
$31,520/year
Local median income: $79,741
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $788/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 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

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$788/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: $788/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

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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🏘️Neighborhoods in Boone County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Boone County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in IA

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⚖️Compare Boone County

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📋IA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections