Average Rent in Clarke County, IA↑ Rents rising 1.7% YoY🔻 4th cheapest in IA
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 9,690
Market Overview
Clarke 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 $728/month — 48% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $66,821/year, spending $728/month on a 1-bedroom represents 13% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Clarke County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $877/month, Clarke County ranks #91 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Iowa — more affordable than 82% of all US cities in our data.
The Clarke County Rental Market
The Clarke County, IA area has a population of about 9,690 and 31% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Clarke 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 Clarke County, IA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $29,120. The local median household income of $66,821 exceeds that threshold by $37,701, making Clarke County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Clarke County, IA has an unemployment rate of 2.8%, 1.1 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 Clarke 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 Clarke County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Clarke County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Clarke 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 Clarke CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in IASee how Clarke County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Clarke CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋IA Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections