Average Rent in Muscatine County, IA↑ Rents rising 2.3% YoY🔺 9th priciest in IA
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 42,735
Market Overview
Muscatine County, IA has rental prices ranging from $760/month to $1,555/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $811/month — 42% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $69,512/year, spending $811/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Muscatine County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,031/month, Muscatine County ranks #9 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Iowa — pricier than 68% of all US cities in our data.
The Muscatine County Rental Market
The Muscatine County, IA area has a population of about 42,735 and 25% 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 Muscatine County, IA have risen by $23/month (2.3%) over the past year, from $1,008 to $1,031. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Muscatine County, IA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,440. The local median household income of $69,512 exceeds that threshold by $37,072, making Muscatine County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Muscatine County, IA has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, 0.3 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 Muscatine 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 Muscatine County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Muscatine County data
Buying breaks even after 4 years — worth it if you stay 4+ years.
Living in Muscatine County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Muscatine CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in IASee how Muscatine County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Muscatine CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋IA Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections