Average Rent in Cerro Gordo County, IA↑ Rents rising 3.1% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 42,785
Market Overview
Cerro Gordo County, IA has rental prices ranging from $701/month to $1,399/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $706/month — 50% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $65,537/year, spending $706/month on a 1-bedroom represents 13% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Cerro Gordo County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $917/month, Cerro Gordo County ranks #29 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Iowa — more affordable than 65% of all US cities in our data.
The Cerro Gordo County Rental Market
The Cerro Gordo County, IA area has a population of about 42,785 and 28% 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 Cerro Gordo County, IA have risen by $28/month (3.1%) over the past year, from $889 to $917. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Cerro Gordo County, IA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $28,240. The local median household income of $65,537 exceeds that threshold by $37,297, making Cerro Gordo County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Cerro Gordo County, IA has an unemployment rate of 3.7%, 0.2 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 FY2025Is Cerro Gordo 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 Cerro Gordo County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Cerro Gordo County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Cerro Gordo 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 Cerro Gordo CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in IASee how Cerro Gordo County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Cerro Gordo CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋IA Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections