Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$72,781$6,065 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Palo Alto County, IA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Palo Alto County, IA
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Palo Alto 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 | $682 | $8,184 | $27,280 | 11.2% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $700 | $8,400 | $28,000 | 11.5% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $919 | $11,028 | $36,760 | 15.2% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,222 | $14,664 | $48,880 | 20.1% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,227 | $14,724 | $49,080 | 20.2% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Palo Alto County, IA
Based on the local median household income of $72,781/year ($6,065/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 Palo Alto County, IA
What is the median household income in Palo Alto County, IA?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Palo Alto County, IA is $72,781 per year (approximately $6,065 per month).
What is the average rent in Palo Alto County, IA?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Palo Alto County, IA are $682 for a studio, $700 for 1 bedroom, $919 for 2 bedrooms, $1,222 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,227 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Palo Alto County, IA compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto County, IA?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($919/month) in Palo Alto County, IA requires a minimum gross household income of $36,760 per year ($3,063 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Palo Alto County, IA?
For a typical household earning the median income of $72,781/year ($6,065/month) in Palo Alto County, IA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,033/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,820/month to discretionary spending, and $1,213/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Palo Alto 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.