RentData

Average Rent in Lucas County, IA🔺 14th priciest in IA

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 8,685

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

Market Overview

Lucas County, IA has rental prices ranging from $720/month to $1,295/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $745/month — 47% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $67,921/year, spending $745/month on a 1-bedroom represents 13% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Lucas County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $977/month, Lucas County ranks #14 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Iowa — pricier than 61% of all US cities in our data.

The Lucas County Rental Market

The Lucas County, IA area has a population of about 8,685 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 Lucas County, IA have fallen by $4/month (0.4%) over the past year, from $981 to $977. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Lucas County, IA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $29,800. The local median household income of $67,921 exceeds that threshold by $38,121, making Lucas County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Lucas County, IA has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, 0.1 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 FY2025
Studio
$720
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$745
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$977
0.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,177
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,295
Affordable
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Is Lucas 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
$39,080/year
Local median income: $67,921
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $977/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 Lucas County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Lucas County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$977/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 5 years — worth it if you stay 5+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $977/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Lucas 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 Lucas County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Lucas County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in IA

See how Lucas County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Lucas County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋IA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections