Average Rent in Van Buren County, IA↑ Rents rising 1.7% YoY🔻 4th cheapest in IA
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 7,236
Market Overview
Van Buren County, IA has rental prices ranging from $646/month to $1,431/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $792/month — 43% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $60,183/year, spending $792/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Van Buren County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $877/month, Van Buren County ranks #91 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Iowa — more affordable than 82% of all US cities in our data.
The Van Buren County Rental Market
The Van Buren County, IA area has a population of about 7,236 and 17% 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 Van Buren 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 Van Buren County, IA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $31,680. The local median household income of $60,183 exceeds that threshold by $28,503, making Van Buren County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Van Buren County, IA has an unemployment rate of 3.1%, 0.8 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 Van Buren 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 Van Buren County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Van Buren County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Van Buren 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 Van Buren CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in IASee how Van Buren County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Van Buren CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋IA Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections