In Iowa City, a typical home is worth $285,900 and typical rent is $1,094 a month. Compared with all of Johnson County, typical household income is 22% lower, the typical home value is 7% lower, and the share of households that own their home is 12 points lower.
Typical home value from Zillow, September 2021 to September 2026: from $241,614 to $300,467.
Typical rent
$1,713a month
▲ 9.1% more than 12 months ago
Typical rent from Zillow, September 2021 to September 2026: from $1,306 to $1,713.
From Zillow (ZHVI/ZORI), September 2026. The Census figures above are 5-year averages (2020–2024).
Iowa City is in Johnson County. The FHA loan limit ($541,287 for a one-unit home), the fair market rents and the help on this page are those of all of Johnson County. See the county
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
1
Iowa City has the 2nd lowest homeownership rate of the 86 cities in Iowa with more than 5,000 people (47%).
2
Iowa City has the 3rd largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 81 cities in Iowa with more than 5,000 people (62%).
3
Nearby, in Washington, the typical home value is $152,300: 47% less than in Iowa City ($285,900).
4
The typical household income in Iowa City is $58,546,22% less than in Johnson County as a whole ($74,935).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
The homes here
Housing in Iowa City
What homes there are in Iowa City, 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 houseAttached houseBuilding of 2 to 4Apartments (5 or more)Mobile homeBoat, RV and otherUnreliable estimate
Iowa City
Johnson County
Iowa
United States
Kind of home: Iowa City and its comparisons
Measure
Iowa City
Johnson County
Iowa
United States
Detached house
40%
48%
72%
61%
Attached house
9%
12%
5%
6%
Building of 2 to 4
8%
6%
6%
8%
Apartments (5 or more)
42%
31%
14%
19%
Mobile home
2%
4%
3%
6%
Boat, RV and other
Unreliable estimate
Unreliable estimate
0%
0%
Many people here live in apartments: 4 in 10 homes; in Johnson County, 3.
Year built
Before 19601960–19791980–19992000–20092010 or later
Iowa City
Johnson County
Iowa
United States
Year built: Iowa City and its comparisons
Measure
Iowa City
Johnson County
Iowa
United States
Before 1960
21%
17%
38%
26%
1960–1979
24%
20%
24%
24%
1980–1999
25%
26%
17%
25%
2000–2009
12%
16%
11%
14%
2010 or later
19%
22%
11%
11%
The typical home in Iowa City was built in 1985, 7 years before the typical one in Johnson County.
Homes in Iowa City are smaller: 50% have 3 bedrooms or more; in Johnson County, 58%.
What it costs here
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
Value of owner-occupied homes
Under the limitOver the limitUnreliable estimate
Under $100K7%
$100K–$200K15%
$200K–$300K33%
$300K–$500K33%
$500K–$750K10%
FHA limit: $541,287
$750K–$1M2%
$1M or moreUnreliable
Value of owner-occupied homes: Iowa City and its comparisons
Measure
Iowa City
Under $100K
7%
$100K–$200K
15%
$200K–$300K
33%
$300K–$500K
33%
$500K–$750K
10%
$750K–$1M
2%
$1M or more
Unreliable estimate
About 89% of owner-occupied homes in Iowa City are worth less than the FHA loan limit for Johnson County ($541,287).
Monthly rent with utilities
Under the limitOver the limitUnreliable estimate
Under $5004%
$500–$99939%
$1,000–$1,49931%
HUD fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,180
$1,500–$1,99914%
$2,000–$2,4998%
$2,500–$2,999Unreliable
$3,000 or more2%
Monthly rent with utilities: Iowa City and its comparisons
Measure
Iowa City
Under $500
4%
$500–$999
39%
$1,000–$1,499
31%
$1,500–$1,999
14%
$2,000–$2,499
8%
$2,500–$2,999
Unreliable estimate
$3,000 or more
2%
About 54% of rented homes in Iowa City cost less than HUD's 2-bedroom fair market rent for Johnson County ($1,180); the rest cost more.
With a mortgage
$1,813 a month
Johnson County: $1,948 a month
Without a mortgage
$746 a month
Johnson County: $734 a month
Owners with a mortgage
59%
Johnson County: 64%
The typical cost for an owner with a mortgage in Iowa City is $1,813 a month, less than in Johnson County ($1,948); without one, $746.
How it changed
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024
Change since 2015–2019
Typical home value
Iowa City+33%
Johnson County+36%
Iowa+41%
United States+53%
Typical rent
Iowa City+13%
Johnson County+15%
Iowa+23%
United States+33%
Typical household income
Iowa City+19%
Johnson County+20%
Iowa+24%
United States+29%
Change since 2015–2019: Iowa City and its comparisons
Measure
Iowa City
Johnson County
Iowa
United States
Typical home value
+33%
+36%
+41%
+53%
Typical rent
+13%
+15%
+23%
+33%
Typical household income
+19%
+20%
+24%
+29%
The typical home value in Iowa City rose 33% since 2015–2019, about the same as in Johnson County (36%).
Rents in Iowa City rose at about the same pace as in Johnson County: 13% since 2015–2019, against 15%.
To compare: typical income in Iowa City rose 19%; the home, +33%; the rent, +13%.
How people live
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
How people live: Iowa City and its comparisons
Measure
Iowa City
Johnson County
Iowa
United States
Rental vacancy
7.8%
6.5%
5.7%
5.5%
Homeowner vacancy
Unreliable estimate
Unreliable estimate
0.8%
0.9%
More than one person per room
2.3%
1.8%
1.6%
3.4%
People per household
2.24
2.34
2.36
2.53
Drive alone
56%
65%
76%
69%
Carpool
7%
6%
8%
9%
Public transit
6%
4%
1%
3%
Walk or bike
17%
10%
3%
3%
Work from home
12%
14%
11%
15%
Other means
1%
1%
1%
2%
Typical commute
10 to 19 minutes
10 to 19 minutes
10 to 19 minutes
20 to 29 minutes
The rental vacancy rate in Iowa City is 7.8%, higher than in Johnson County (6.5%).
Much as in Johnson County, 2.3% of households in Iowa City have more than one person per room.
Much as in Johnson County, a household in Iowa City has 2.24 people on average.
Many here get to work on foot or by bike: 17%, more than in Johnson County (10%).
Do the math
What would you pay each month for a home in Iowa City?
A typical home costs more than the typical income allows
We start with a typical home in Iowa City, worth $285,900, an FHA loan with 3.5% down and the latest average rate (7.18%). That payment would take 52% of the typical household income in Iowa City, which is $58,546 a year. For that payment to be 28% of income, a household would need to earn about $109,282 a year.
The calculator's FHA and conventional loan limits are those of all of Johnson County.
Change the price, the down payment or the loan: the payment updates right away.
Your numbers
Local data
$
Starts at the typical home value in Iowa City. Change it to the price you have in mind.
Your score changes which loans apply and FHA's minimum down payment. Your real rate also depends on your credit.
Down payment
%
That is $10,007 (3.5% of the price). The usual minimum for this loan is 3.5%.
This week's average ± a quarter or half point.
National average as of November 5, 2026 (Freddie Mac); your rate may be different.
Adjust advanced details⌄
Estimated monthly payment
Local data
$2,550
at 7.18% · 30 years
Loan amount
$280,721
Total interest
$403,892
Paid off in
November 2056
Includes $4,828 FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium.
Does it fit the income?
Comfortable
up to $1,366 a month
Tight
$1,366 to $1,756 a month
Hard
more than $1,756 a month
Your payment · 52%
Compared with the typical household income in Iowa City ($58,546 a year). Reference: HUD calls paying more than 30% of income for housing a cost burden.
Monthly payment breakdown
Principal & interest
$1,902
Property tax
$403
Home insurance
$119
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)
$126
You need at least $10,007 for the down payment, plus closing costs.
This is an estimate to give you an idea, not a loan offer. Your real payment depends on your rate, your credit, and the insurance and taxes on the home you buy.
Total monthly payment $2,550; principal and interest $1,902.
The city and its county
Iowa City and Johnson County
Iowa City is in Johnson County, Iowa. The U.S. Census Bureau publishes its own numbers for the city: home values, rent, household income, how many households own their home and the property tax. They are American Community Survey estimates (average 2020–2024).
Iowa City
Map of Johnson County, Iowa, with Iowa City marked. Around it, the neighboring counties.
Iowa City
Johnson County
Other cities with a page
Iowa City's own numbers
Typical home value
$285,900
Typical monthly rent
$1,094
Typical yearly household income
$58,546
Households that own their home
47%
Effective property tax rate
1.69%
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (average 2020–2024).
Numbers for all of Johnson County
FHA limit, one-unit home
$541,287
Conventional limit, one unit
$832,750
HUD fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$1,180
Price change over 5 years (FHFA)
+36%
Homes in a high flood-risk zone
3.4%
HUD, FHFA and FEMA don't publish these numbers by city.
Other numbers are not published by city, only for the whole county: FHA and conventional loan limits, HUD’s fair market rents, FHFA’s price index and FEMA’s flood data. On this page, those numbers always say they are for all of Johnson County.
A typical home in Iowa City is worth $285,900: 7% below the county and 37% above Iowa. With the typical household income in Iowa City ($58,546 a year), a typical home costs 4.9 times what the household earns in a year.
Years of income to pay for a typical home
The typical home value divided by the typical household income for one year. The lower it is, the less buying weighs.
Iowa City4.9 years
Johnson4.1 years
Iowa2.8 years
United States4.1 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024
How prices have changed in Johnson County
According to FHFA’s house price index, home prices in Johnson County rose 55% in the 10 years through 2025.
FHFA does not publish this index by city: these are the numbers for all of Johnson County.
Yearly change in FHFA’s price index in Johnson County, 2016 to 2025
2016: +3.4% +3.4% 2016
2017: +3.0% +3.0% 2017
2018: +4.0% +4.0% 2018
2019: +2.3% +2.3% 2019
2020: +0.9% +0.9% 2020
2021: +5.3% +5.3% 2021
2022: +10.6% +10.6% 2022
2023: +8.5% +8.5% 2023
2024: +2.9% +2.9% 2024
2025: +4.6% +4.6% 2025
Change in FHFA’s price index in Johnson County, Iowa and the United States
Period
County
Iowa
U.S.
Last year (2025)
+4.6%
+3.2%
+2.9%
5 years (2020–2025)
+36%
+41%
+47%
10 years (2015–2025)
+55%
+65%
+85%
The index follows the price of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual county indexes experimental. Source: FHFA, 2025 data
Iowa City next to Johnson County, Iowa and the U.S.
Three numbers side by side. “Typical” means the median: half are above it and half below.
Typical home value
Iowa City$285,900
Johnson$308,600
Iowa$208,000
United States$332,700
Typical monthly rent
Iowa City$1,094
Johnson$1,122
Iowa$972
United States$1,413
Typical yearly household income
Iowa City$58,546
Johnson$74,935
Iowa$75,059
United States$80,734
See the full table
Iowa City next to Johnson County and Iowa
Measure
Iowa City
Johnson County
Iowa
U.S.
Typical home value
$285,900 ▼7% below the county
$308,600
$208,000
$332,700
Typical monthly rent
$1,094 ▼2% below the county
$1,122
$972
$1,413
Typical yearly household income
$58,546 ▼22% below the county
$74,935
$75,059
$80,734
Households that own their home
47% ▼12 points below the county
59%
72%
65%
Typical yearly property tax
$4,838 ▲3% above the county
$4,681
$2,897
$3,119
Effective property tax rate
1.69% ▲0.17 points above the county
1.52%
1.39%
0.94%
Renters with high rent for their income
62% ▲6 points above the county
56%
44%
51%
“Typical” means the median: half are above and half are below. ▲ and ▼ say whether the city is above or below Johnson County. “High rent” is the Census measure: renter households that pay 30% or more of their income in rent.
Four ways to pay for a typical home in Iowa City
For a typical $285,900 home in Iowa City, at Freddie Mac's average rate (7.18% as of November 5, 2026) over 30 years. The monthly payment adds principal and interest, Iowa City's typical property tax, an example home insurance and mortgage insurance when it applies.
FHA, 3.5% down$2,550a month
Least cash to close
Down payment
$10,007
Cash to close
$18,584
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
FHA MIP · $126
Conventional, 5% down$2,498a month
Down payment
$14,295
Cash to close
$22,872
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
PMI · $136
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI$2,071a month
Down payment
$57,180
Cash to close
$65,757
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
None
ITIN, 15% down (example)$2,336a month
Down payment
$42,885
Cash to close
$51,462
Rate
8.18%
Mortgage insurance
None
Four ways to pay for a typical home in Iowa City
Loan
Monthly payment
Down payment
Loan amount
Rate
Mortgage insurance
Cash to close
Minimum score
FHA, 3.5% down Least cash to close
$2,550
$10,007
$280,722
7.18%
FHA MIP · $126
$18,584
580
Conventional, 5% down
$2,498
$14,295
$271,605
7.18%
PMI · $136
$22,872
620*
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI
$2,071
$57,180
$228,720
7.18%
None
$65,757
620*
ITIN, 15% down (example)
$2,336
$42,885
$243,015
8.18%
None
$51,462
Set by the lender
The option that asks for the least cash to close is FHA, 3.5% down.
Cash to close = down payment plus 3% of the price in closing costs (example).
Minimum score: FHA requires 580 or higher for the minimum down payment (HUD Handbook 4000.1). * Fannie Mae requires 620 when a loan is underwritten by hand; its automated system has no fixed minimum.
The ITIN row is an example with a rate 1 percentage point higher: ITIN loans follow no federal rule and each lender sets its own down payment and rate. Nothing in this table promises an approval.
Typical rent in Iowa City is $1,094 a month: 2% below the county. In Iowa City, 62% of renter households pay 30% or more of their income in rent.
HUD publishes a fair market rent for all of Johnson County, by unit size. To pay the 2-bedroom one ($1,180 a month) without spending more than 30% of your income, you would need to earn $22.69 an hour working full time.
What you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income, working full time.
HUD fair market rent in Johnson County (Fiscal year 2027)
Size
Fair rent a month
Hourly wage
Yearly income
Studio
$942
$18.12
$37,680
1 bedroom
$1,002
$19.27
$40,080
2 bedrooms
$1,180
$22.69
$47,200
3 bedrooms
$1,634
$31.42
$65,360
4 bedrooms
$1,972
$37.92
$78,880
Includes basic utilities. It isn't the lowest or highest rent: it's a reference point. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
Fair market rent by ZIP code in Iowa City
HUD also publishes a fair market rent for each ZIP code (Small Area FMR, fiscal year 2027). Iowa City has 4 ZIP codes with their own.
For 2 bedrooms it runs from $1,200 in 52246 to $1,330 in 52245.
4 of the 4 are above the fair market rent for Johnson County ($1,180).
2-bedroom fair market rent in each of the 4 ZIP codes of Iowa City, beside the one for Johnson County. For 2 bedrooms it runs from $1,200 in 52246 to $1,330 in 52245. 4 of the 4 are above the fair market rent for Johnson County ($1,180).
2-bedroom fair market rent in each ZIP code
Each line is one ZIP code: in color, those above the county's fair market rent; in gray, the rest.
County: $1,180
Lowest: $1,200 (52246)Highest: $1,330 (52245)
Fair market rent by ZIP code and size in Iowa City, fiscal year 2027.
52240
$1,010
$1,070
$1,260
$1,740
$2,110
52242
$990
$1,050
$1,230
$1,710
$2,070
52245
$1,060
$1,130
$1,330
$1,840
$2,220
52246
$960
$1,020
$1,200
$1,660
$2,010
ZIP code2 bd3 bd
52240 $1,260$1,740
52242 $1,230$1,710
52245 $1,330$1,840
52246 $1,200$1,660
2 of these ZIP codes cross the city line: HUD sets the rent by ZIP code, not by city. A ZIP code counts for Iowa City when at least 50% of its land is inside the city or it covers at least 15% of the city (Census 2020 boundaries). Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD)Fiscal year 2027Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)Source: Census Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship fileData from 2020 dataCensus Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship file (external site)
HUD lists 21 buildings with rents for lower incomes in Iowa City. These are the largest.
Pheasant Ridge2626 Bartelt Rd, Iowa City 52246248 low-income homes · 1 bd: 80 · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 80 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2017 · For families(319) 351-0439
Iowa City Public Housing404 E College St, Iowa City 5224086 low-income homes · Run by Iowa City Housing Authority · Average payment: $587 a month · Average wait: 44 months · Homes at several sites(319) 356-5400
Capitol House Apartments320 S Dubuque St, Iowa City 5224081 low-income homes · For older adults(319) 338-2127
Ecumenical Towers320 E Washington St, Iowa City 5224081 low-income homes · For older adults(319) 338-7450
Systems Unlimited Group Homes1615 Deforest Ave, Iowa City 5224078 low-income homes · For people with disabilities(319) 338-9212
You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counseling agency helps for free or at low cost: getting ready to buy, understanding your credit, or solving a problem with your rent.
We found no HUD-approved agencies with an office in Johnson County. The nearest ones are below; many serve by phone or online.
No down payment, repair or rent-help program on our list is for Iowa City or Johnson County. The ones below are statewide in Iowa: they work in Iowa City the same as in the rest of the state.
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).
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).
No legal help resource on our list is for Iowa City or Johnson County in particular.
If you have a problem with your landlord, an eviction notice or a scam, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) search shows the free legal aid offices that serve your area.
Short answers with the numbers for Iowa City and all of Johnson County. If your case is different, a HUD-approved counseling agency can guide you for free or at low cost.
How much does a typical home cost in Iowa City?
The typical home value in Iowa City is $285,900, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (average 2020–2024). For comparison, in Johnson County it is $308,600.
How much does it cost to rent in Iowa City?
Typical rent in Iowa City is $1,094 a month, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. HUD’s fair market rent for 2 bedrooms in Johnson County is $1,180.
What is the FHA loan limit in Iowa City?
Iowa City uses the FHA limit for all of Johnson County (2026): $541,287 for a one-unit home and $1,041,125 for a four-unit home.
How much property tax do owners pay in Iowa City?
The typical homeowner in Iowa City pays $4,838 a year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That is 1.69% of the home’s value; in Johnson County, the rate is 1.52%.
Where can I find free help to buy or rent in Iowa City?
We found no HUD-approved counseling agencies with an office in Johnson County; the nearest ones are on this page. They can help you get ready to buy, with your credit, or with rent.
