Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Cerro Gordo County has a HUD fair market rent of $927 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $850 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $17.83 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $927
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 17% less than in Iowa
- Typical rent
- $850
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 13% less than in Iowa
- Wage needed
- $17.83
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $37,080 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 35%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 21% less than in Iowa
Only here
Renting in Cerro Gordo County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Cerro Gordo County has the highest typical rent in its area: $850, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Worth County ($758).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Cerro Gordo County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Cerro Gordo County was $951 a month in September 2026. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $744 | $14.31 | $29,760 |
| 1 bedroom | $749 | $14.40 | $29,960 |
| 2 bedrooms | $927 | $17.83 | $37,080 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,218 | $23.42 | $48,720 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,485 | $28.56 | $59,400 |
HUD area: Cerro Gordo County, IA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 17 ZIP codes in Cerro Gordo County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $930 in 50428 to $1,090 in 50482. 17 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($927).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 50401 | Cerro Gordo County, IA | $760 | $770 | $950 | $1,250 | $1,520 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50401 | Worth County, IA | $760 | $770 | $950 | $1,250 | $1,520 |
| 50428 | Cerro Gordo County, IA | $740 | $750 | $930 | $1,220 | $1,490 |
| 50433 | Butler County, IA | $740 | $760 | $980 | $1,220 | $1,490 |
| 50433 | Cerro Gordo County, IA | $740 | $760 | $980 | $1,220 | $1,490 |
| 50433 | Floyd County, IA | $740 | $760 | $980 | $1,220 | $1,490 |
| 50433 | Franklin County, IA | $740 | $760 | $980 | $1,220 | $1,490 |
| 50464 | Cerro Gordo County, IA | $780 | $790 | $1,000 | $1,310 | $1,520 |
| 50464 | Mitchell County, IA | $780 | $790 | $1,000 | $1,310 | $1,520 |
| 50464 | Worth County, IA | $780 | $790 | $1,000 | $1,310 | $1,520 |
| 50467 | Cerro Gordo County, IA | $790 | $800 | $990 | $1,300 | $1,590 |
| 50469 | Cerro Gordo County, IA | $740 | $750 | $930 | $1,220 | $1,490 |
| 50477 | Cerro Gordo County, IA | $740 | $750 | $930 | $1,220 | $1,490 |
| 50479 | Cerro Gordo County, IA | $740 | $750 | $930 | $1,210 | $1,490 |
| 50479 | Franklin County, IA | $740 | $750 | $930 | $1,210 | $1,490 |
| 50482 | Cerro Gordo County, IA | $880 | $880 | $1,090 | $1,430 | $1,750 |
| 50482 | Hancock County, IA | $880 | $880 | $1,090 | $1,430 | $1,750 |
- 50401 · Cerro Gordo County, IA $950$1,250
- 50401 · Worth County, IA $950$1,250
- 50428 · Cerro Gordo County, IA $930$1,220
- 50433 · Butler County, IA $980$1,220
- 50433 · Cerro Gordo County, IA $980$1,220
- 50433 · Floyd County, IA $980$1,220
- 50433 · Franklin County, IA $980$1,220
- 50464 · Cerro Gordo County, IA $1,000$1,310
- 50464 · Mitchell County, IA $1,000$1,310
- 50464 · Worth County, IA $1,000$1,310
- 50467 · Cerro Gordo County, IA $990$1,300
- 50469 · Cerro Gordo County, IA $930$1,220
- 50477 · Cerro Gordo County, IA $930$1,220
- 50479 · Cerro Gordo County, IA $930$1,210
- 50479 · Franklin County, IA $930$1,210
- 50482 · Cerro Gordo County, IA $1,090$1,430
- 50482 · Hancock County, IA $1,090$1,430
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Cerro Gordo County, 35% of renter households are in that position; in Iowa, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
35%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
5,793 households rent in Cerro Gordo County
- Spend half or more of their income 17%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 18%
- Spend less than 30% 65%
Compared with the state and the country
- Cerro Gordo 35%
- Iowa 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Cerro Gordo County
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Cerro Gordo County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 10
- HUD-assisted
- 8
755 homes in all; 703 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Autumn Park Apartments ~ Mason City HUD-assisted 710 S Pierce Ave, Mason City 50401 64 low-income homes · For older adults · (641) 424-9845
- Grant Village Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 823 6th St SW, Mason City 50401 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 64 · In service since 2004 · For older adults · (641) 424-1973
- The Meadows of Mason City Tax credit (LIHTC) 1600 10th St SE, Mason City 50401 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 1997 · For people with disabilities, families
- Lakeland Park Apartments HUD-assisted 210 W 10th Ave N, Clear Lake 50428 56 low-income homes · For older adults · (712) 255-3665
- Shalom Tower II HUD-assisted 321 4th St NE, Mason City 50401 48 low-income homes · For older adults · (641) 424-1740
- Legacy Manor of Mason City Tax credit (LIHTC) 3310 9th St SW, Mason City 50401 48 homes, 47 low-income · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
- Legacy Manor of Mason City II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3300 9th St SW, Mason City 50401 48 homes, 43 low-income · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- River City Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 15 N Pennsylvania Ave, Mason City 50401 46 homes, 41 low-income · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2003 · For people with disabilities, families
- Regency Apartments HUD-assisted 1531 6th Pl SE, Mason City 50401 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (641) 424-0437
- Westside Manor HUD-assisted 2401 S Taft Ave, Mason City 50401 72 homes, 35 low-income · For families · (641) 424-6302
- Pilgrim Place HUD-assisted 741 S Illinois Ave, Mason City 50401 34 low-income homes · For older adults · (641) 423-1215
- Pebble Creek Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 190 S Grover Ave, Mason City 50401 33 homes, 32 low-income · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 8 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Pebble Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 150 S Grover Ave, Mason City 50401 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 14 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 1999 · For people with disabilities, families
- Meadow Lake Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1109 Buddy Holly Pl, Clear Lake 50428 32 homes, 31 low-income · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2001 · For people with disabilities, families
- Three Links Apartments HUD-assisted 1033 19th St SW, Mason City 50401 31 homes, 30 low-income · For older adults · (641) 423-5495
- Lake Plaza Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 20 N 4th St, Clear Lake 50428 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Lake Plaza Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 20 N 4th St, Clear Lake 50428 23 low-income homes · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Cerro Gordo County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Cerro Gordo County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $20,450 | $34,100 | $54,550 |
| 2 people | $23,400 | $39,000 | $62,350 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $43,850 | $70,150 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $48,700 | $77,900 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $52,600 | $84,150 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $56,500 | $90,400 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $60,400 | $96,600 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $64,300 | $102,850 |
Area median income: $97,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Cerro Gordo County, IA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $670 – $818
- 1 bedroom $674 – $824
- 2 bedrooms $834 – $1,020
- 3 bedrooms $1,096 – $1,340
- 4 bedrooms $1,337 – $1,634
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Mason City Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 533 vouchers (641) 421-2711 Mason City Housing Authority: housing@masoncity.net
- North Iowa Regional Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 403 vouchers · 121 public housing units (641) 423-0897 North Iowa Regional Housing Authority: rtoney@nirha.com
Housing agencies in Iowa Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Iowa
What Iowa law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 2 months of rent
- Iowa Code §562A.12(1)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- Iowa Code §562A.12(3)(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 days
- Iowa Code §562A.27(2)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- Iowa Code §562A.34(2)
- Only a court order can remove youIowa Code §562A.33
- Repair and deduct from the rentIowa Code §562A.27(4)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Cerro Gordo County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Family Management Financial Solutions, Inc.
2310 Falls Ave Ste 4, Waterloo · 60 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Cerro Gordo County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Iowa, the average home bill was $112 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$1,854
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $927
- Security deposit
- $927
- Total
- $1,854
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Cerro Gordo County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $744; 1 bedroom: $749; 2 bedrooms: $927; 3 bedrooms: $1,218; 4 bedrooms: $1,485. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Cerro Gordo County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($927) without spending more than 30% of income takes $17.83 an hour full time, or $37,080 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Cerro Gordo County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,700 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Cerro Gordo County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $834 and $1,020 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Cerro Gordo County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $930 in 50428 to $1,090 in 50482. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Cerro Gordo County?
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Cerro Gordo County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Cerro Gordo County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Cerro Gordo County, 35% of renter households are in that position; in Iowa, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).