Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$78,236$6,520 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Buchanan County, IA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Buchanan County, IA
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Buchanan County, IA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $713 | $8,556 | $28,520 | 10.9% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $718 | $8,616 | $28,720 | 11% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $942 | $11,304 | $37,680 | 14.4% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,281 | $15,372 | $51,240 | 19.6% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,468 | $17,616 | $58,720 | 22.5% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Buchanan County, IA
Based on the local median household income of $78,236/year ($6,520/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Iowa
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Iowa state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Iowa with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Buchanan County, IA
What is the median household income in Buchanan County, IA?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Buchanan County, IA is $78,236 per year (approximately $6,520 per month).
What is the average rent in Buchanan County, IA?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Buchanan County, IA are $713 for a studio, $718 for 1 bedroom, $942 for 2 bedrooms, $1,281 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,468 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Buchanan County, IA compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Buchanan County, IA is 87.8 (12.2% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Buchanan County, IA?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($942/month) in Buchanan County, IA requires a minimum gross household income of $37,680 per year ($3,140 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Buchanan County, IA?
For a typical household earning the median income of $78,236/year ($6,520/month) in Buchanan County, IA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,260/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,956/month to discretionary spending, and $1,304/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Buchanan County, IA?
Residential electricity rates in Iowa average 15.9¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $143 per month.