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State

Data from November 2026

Housing , home prices, rents and assistance in Iowa (2026)

In Iowa, a typical home is worth $208,000 and the typical rent is $972 a month. The FHA limit for a one-unit home is $541,287 in every one of its counties. 11 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve Iowa; 4 say they serve you in Spanish.

Most populous:

Typical home value by county

  • Under $125,100
  • $125,100–$154,400
  • $154,400–$173,100
  • $173,100–$209,300
  • $209,300 or more

Tap the map to see each county’s figure and open its page.

Typical home value
$208,000
37% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $332,700
Typical rent per month
$972
31% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $1,413
Typical household income
$75,059
7% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $80,734
FHA limit, 1 unit
$541,287
It is the same across Iowa.
U.S.: $541,287 to $1,299,500
Property tax
1.39%
of value a year
The typical bill is $2,897 a year.
U.S.: 0.94%

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

In short

Living in Iowa

In Iowa, a typical home is worth $208,000: 37% less than in the United States overall. Prices change a lot by county: from $98,100 in Pocahontas County to $355,600 in Dallas County. The typical household earns $75,059 a year and the typical rent is $972 a month; 44% of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on housing. 72% of households own their home, and the typical property tax is $2,897 a year (about 1.39% of value).

The conforming loan limit for a one-unit home is $832,750 across Iowa. To pay HUD’s fair rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Iowa ($1,113) without spending more than 30% of income, you need about $21.40 an hour working full time.

Source: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Data from 2026 data Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

The essentials in Iowa

More on property tax

  • Homestead exemption: 10% of taxable value

    A 2026 law (SF 2472) replaced Iowa's homestead credit with a homestead exemption. The exemption takes 10 percent off the taxable value of your homestead (your main home). The minimum is $5,500 and the maximum is $20,000 of taxable value. An exemption lowers the value you pay taxes on; a credit lowers the tax directly. The change applies starting with the 2026 assessment, which covers taxes paid in September 2027 and March 2028. Starting with assessment year 2027, the Department adjusts the maximum each year for inflation.

    Iowa Department of Revenue · Verified October 24, 2026

  • What documents the homestead application requires

    The Department of Revenue says the assessor may not require documents the form does not ask for. Neither the homestead form nor the law (chapter 425, subchapter I) requires additional documents. The assessor may ask you to verify your age, but cannot deny the application because you decline to provide documents the law does not require. On the form you attest that the information you give is true.

    Iowa Department of Revenue · Verified October 24, 2026

  • Assessment protest: April 2 to 30

    If you disagree with your property's assessment, you can file a protest with the board of review from April 2 through April 30 of the assessment year. If, after March 1 and before May 20, federal authorities declare the county a disaster area or the governor proclaims a disaster emergency there, the filing period is extended to May 1 through June 5. The protest is in writing, on forms prescribed by the director of revenue, and signed by the person protesting or their authorized agent.

    Iowa Legislature (Iowa Code 2026) · Verified October 24, 2026

  • Additional exemption for owners 65 and older

    If you are 65 or older on or before January 1 of the assessment year, you are eligible for an additional homestead exemption of $6,500 of taxable value. Once approved, it applies in later years without refiling.

    Iowa Department of Revenue · Verified October 24, 2026

The homes here

Housing in Iowa

What homes there are in Iowa, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

Detached houses, standing on their own, make up 72% of homes here, against 61% in the U.S..

Year built

The typical home in Iowa was built in 1972, 8 years before the typical one in the U.S..

In Iowa, 62% of homes have 3 bedrooms or more, about the same as in the U.S..

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes

Looking at what owner-occupied homes in Iowa are worth, the most common range is between $100K and $200K (30%).

Monthly rent with utilities

The largest group of rented homes in Iowa pays between $500 and $999 a month: 45%.

With a mortgage

$1,533 a month

United States: $1,963 a month

Without a mortgage

$616 a month

United States: $638 a month

Owners with a mortgage

59%

United States: 61%

The typical cost for an owner with a mortgage in Iowa is $1,533 a month, less than in the U.S. ($1,963); without one, $616.

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

The typical home value in Iowa rose 41% since 2015–2019, less than in the U.S. (53%).

The typical rent in Iowa rose 23% over the same time; in the U.S., it rose 33%.

While home values in Iowa changed +41% and rent +23%, the typical household income rose 24%.

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasureIowaUnited States
Rental vacancy 5.7%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy 0.8%0.9%
More than one person per room 1.6%3.4%
People per household 2.362.53
Drive alone 76%69%
Carpool 8%9%
Public transit 1%3%
Walk or bike 3%3%
Work from home 11%15%
Other means 1%2%
Typical commute 10 to 19 minutes20 to 29 minutes

In Iowa, the rental vacancy rate is 5.7%, about the same as in the U.S..

Fewer households are short on space in Iowa: 1.6% have more than one person per room; in the U.S., 3.4%.

On average, a household in Iowa has 2.36 people, fewer than in the U.S. (2.53).

The car rules in Iowa: 76% of workers drive to work alone, and the typical trip takes 10 to 19 minutes.

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Places

Explore the counties in Iowa

Sort by any column or type a name. The 25 most populous are shown; the button reveals the rest.

See the counties page

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Calculator

Work out your payment in Iowa

Start from the typical home value in Iowa, $208,000, and this week’s average rate. Move the price and the down payment to see your monthly payment. If you already visited a county, the calculator uses its numbers.

More math for Iowa

$
%

Estimated monthly payment

$1,803

FHA loan over 30 years, with estimated taxes and insurance.

See the full calculation

Prices and risks

Three official measures that help you decide: how much home prices have changed according to FHFA, how prices compare with the national average according to BEA, and how many homes sit in a flood zone according to FEMA.

Home prices

How have home prices changed?

According to the FHFA House Price Index, home prices in Iowa rose 65% in the 10 years through 2025.

Price change each year

Period Iowa United States
In 2025 +3.2% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +41% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +65% +85%

The index follows the prices of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals on loans bought or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual state indexes experimental.

Source: FHFA House Price Index (HPI) Data from 2025 data FHFA House Price Index (HPI)

Cost of living

How expensive are prices here?

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), in 2024 prices in Iowa were 12% lower than the U.S. average. Housing rents were 35% lower than nationwide.

Category Iowa United States Versus the U.S.
All prices Consumer goods and services 87.8 100.0 12% less
Housing rents What renters pay 65.3 100.6 35% less
Water, power and gas Water, sewer, electricity and gas 83.3 98.4 15% less
Goods Food, clothing, transportation and more 93.7 99.6 6% less
Other services Services other than rent 92.9 100.1 7% less

BEA expresses each index as a percentage of the average U.S. price level: a higher number means higher prices, and a lower one, lower prices.

Source: Regional price parities (BEA) Data from 2024 data Regional price parities (BEA)

Flooding

Is there a flood risk?

According to FEMA, in Iowa 2.2% of homes (30,404) are in a high-risk flood zone. Of those homes, 14% have NFIP flood insurance.

  • A high-risk zone (Special Flood Hazard Area) has a 1% or greater chance of flooding each year. 44 CFR 59.1
  • If the home is in that zone and the loan comes from a regulated lender, federal law requires flood insurance for the life of the loan, in communities that take part in the NFIP. 42 U.S.C. 4012a
  • Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. FEMA, FloodSmart
Iowa United States
Homes in a high-risk zone 2.2% 3.5%
Of those, with NFIP insurance 14% 48%
All homes with NFIP insurance 0.5% 2.9%

The NFIP is the federal flood insurance program; private policies are not counted. FEMA counts homes with its National Structure Inventory. We add up the county figures FEMA publishes.

Look up your address on FEMA’s map Source: Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA) As of August 3, 2026 Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA)

Places

Cities in Iowa

The 16 most populous cities with a page. Each one compares its prices and rents with its county.

See the other cities (70)

    Help to buy

    Assistance programs in Iowa

    Our list has 2 official programs that help you buy in Iowa. Each card says what kind of help it gives and when we checked its official page.

    See all 2 programs
    1. FirstHome Down Payment and Closing Costs (2nd Loan)

      With the Iowa state authority's FirstHome mortgage, a first-time buyer can get a second loan of up to 3% of the price (maximum $10,000) or up to 5% (maximum $15,000), with no monthly payments, repaid when you sell, refinance or pay off the mortgage. Offered by Iowa Finance Authority (IFA).

      Deferred Verified November 5, 2026

    2. Homes for Iowans Down Payment and Closing Costs Assistance

      Iowa state authority second loan, with the Homes for Iowans mortgage, of up to 3% of the price (maximum $10,000) or 5% (maximum $15,000) for the down payment and closing costs; no monthly payments, and for any buyer. Offered by Iowa Finance Authority (IFA).

      Deferred Verified November 5, 2026

    Tenant rights

    Tenant rights in Iowa

    Iowa law answers 5 of these 5 questions, each answer with its citation. Where it says “Data not available”, we have not verified it against the source yet.

    A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

    See every right

    1. How much can they charge for a deposit?

      In Iowa, a landlord cannot ask for or accept a security deposit of more than 2 months' rent.

      Iowa Code §562A.12(1)

    2. When must they return my deposit?

      After the tenancy ends and you give the landlord your mailing address or delivery instructions, the landlord has 30 days to return your deposit or give you a written statement with the specific reason for keeping any part of it. If money is kept to repair the unit, the statement must say what the damage is.

      Iowa Code §562A.12(3)(a)

    3. If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?

      If you don't pay rent when it is due, the landlord can give you a written notice. If you don't pay within 3 days after the notice, the landlord can end the rental agreement.

      Iowa Code §562A.27(2)

    4. How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?

      To end a month-to-month tenancy in Iowa, the landlord or the tenant must give written notice at least 30 days before the rent due date named in the notice.

      Iowa Code §562A.34(2)

    5. Are there limits on late fees?

      If your rent is $700 a month or less, the rental agreement cannot set a late fee of more than $12 a day or more than $60 in total per month. If your rent is more than $700 a month, the limit is $20 a day and $100 in total per month.

      Iowa Code §562A.9(4)

    A father and mother walk their son by the hand down the sidewalk.

    Help and advice

    Who can help you in Iowa?

    You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counselor gives independent advice on buying, renting, late payments and credit, often free or at low cost.

    11 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve Iowa; 4 say they serve you in Spanish. Choose your county to see the closest ones with their phone number.

    63 public housing authorities run Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Iowa.

    See all 11 agencies See the housing agencies

    Where to file a complaint in Iowa

    • Where to file a housing discrimination complaint

      A housing discrimination complaint is filed with the Iowa Office of Civil Rights (IOCR) within 300 days of the last incident. To begin, you call 515-281-4121, extension 111, or 515-410-0201 and ask to speak with Housing Intake staff.

      Iowa Office of Civil Rights (IOCR) · Verified October 24, 2026

    • Insurance complaints to the Insurance Division

      If you file a complaint, the Iowa Insurance Division sends a copy to the insurance company and asks it to review and respond. Once the response arrives, the Division works with the company to address the issues that can be resolved.

      Iowa Insurance Division · Verified October 24, 2026

    • Iowa FAIR Plan for homes without private coverage

      The Iowa FAIR Plan Association may provide basic property insurance to qualified applicants who are not eligible for insurance in the voluntary market (private companies).

      Iowa Insurance Division · Verified October 24, 2026

    Guides

    Guides for you in Iowa

    We picked them with the numbers of Iowa. Each one says why it can help you.

    Frequently asked questions about housing in Iowa

    What is the FHA limit in Iowa in 2026?

    In Iowa, the FHA limit for a one-unit home is $541,287 in every one of its counties.

    How much does a typical home cost in Iowa?

    The typical home value in Iowa is $208,000 (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). The highest is in Dallas County ($355,600) and the lowest in Pocahontas County ($98,100).

    How much does it cost to rent in Iowa?

    The typical rent in Iowa is $972 a month (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    How much do you need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Iowa?

    At HUD's average fair market rent in Iowa ($1,113, Fiscal year 2027), about $21.40 an hour working full time, so rent stays under 30% of income.

    How much is property tax in Iowa?

    The typical property tax in Iowa is $2,897 a year, about 1.39% of home value (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    Where can I find free help in Spanish to buy a home in Iowa?

    There are 11 HUD-approved counseling agencies in Iowa; 4 say they serve you in Spanish. Each county page lists the closest ones with their phone number.

    Sources: American Community Survey (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (Fiscal year 2027); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (As of August 3, 2026); Regional price parities (2024 data); Census Bureau cartographic boundary files (2024 data).