Home Affordability for Iowa (2026)
Iowa (IA) Key Facts
Median Home Price
$210,000
Median Household Income
$62,000
Affordability Index
590
Price to Income Ratio
3.4
Max Affordable Payment (28% Rule)
$1,447
How This Calculator Works in Iowa
This home affordability calculator estimates how much house you can afford in Iowa based on your income, debts, down payment, and current interest rates. It accounts for Iowa's property tax rate and insurance costs to give you a realistic maximum home price. Enter your financial details to see whether the median-priced home in Iowa is within your reach.
Iowa Overview
Iowa has a median home price of approximately $210,000 and a median household income of $62,000, yielding a price-to-income ratio of 3.4. State income taxes in Iowa reduce take-home pay, so factor your after-tax income when budgeting for a home. Property taxes average 1.57%, which meaningfully impacts monthly housing costs.
How Iowa Compares
Iowa's price-to-income ratio of 3.4 is below the national average of roughly 5.5. Nearby Minnesota has a median price of $330,000 and median income of $77,000, yielding a ratio of 4.3. Differences in property taxes and insurance costs between states further shift the true cost of homeownership.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $330,000 | Median home price is $330,000 with a median household income of approximately $77,000. The price-to-income ratio is 4.3. |
| Nebraska | $260,000 | Median home price is $260,000 with a median household income of approximately $65,000. The price-to-income ratio is 4.0. |
| Illinois | $270,000 | Median home price is $270,000 with a median household income of approximately $72,000. The price-to-income ratio is 3.8. |
With a median home price of $210,000 and a median household income of $62,000, Iowa has a price-to-income ratio of 3.4. The national average price-to-income ratio is approximately 5.5. Iowa is more affordable than the national average.
Tips for Iowa Residents
- 1The median household income in Iowa is $62,000. Under the 28% rule, this supports a maximum monthly housing payment of about $1,447, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.
- 2Iowa's price-to-income ratio of 3.4 means the typical home costs 3.4 times the annual median income. This is relatively affordable by national standards.
- 3State income taxes in Iowa reduce take-home pay, so factor your after-tax income when budgeting for a home.
- 4Property taxes in Iowa average 1.57%, which adds $275 per month to your housing cost on the median home. Don't overlook this when calculating affordability.
- 5Look into Iowa's first-time homebuyer assistance programs, which may include down payment grants, low-interest second mortgages, or mortgage credit certificates (MCCs) that provide a federal tax credit on mortgage interest.