Iowa · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Poweshiek County, IA

The median household in Poweshiek County, IA earns $67,391 a year ($5,616/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $988/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $39,520 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 12.2% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$67,391$5,616 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$988HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)87.8-12.2% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate15.9¢per kWh · EIA Residential IA
Census Population18,545Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Poweshiek County, IA

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$988Monthly market rent
Share of gross income17.6%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$39,520To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,685At 30% of $67,391
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Poweshiek County, IA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Poweshiek County, IA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Poweshiek County, IA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$733$8,796$29,32013.1%
1-Bedroom Apartment$853$10,236$34,12015.2%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$988$11,856$39,52017.6%
3-Bedroom Home$1,303$15,636$52,12023.2%
4-Bedroom Home$1,308$15,696$52,32023.3%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Poweshiek County, IA →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Poweshiek County, IA

Based on the local median household income of $67,391/year ($5,616/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,808/moRent ($988 2-BR), utilities (~$143/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,685/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 87.8 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,123/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

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.

$67,391
$25,000$135,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$67,391
Net 81%
Fed 9%
IA 3%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$54,331After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,528Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,090Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate19.4%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$5,996 / yr
Iowa state income tax$1,909 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$5,155 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Iowa with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Poweshiek County, IA

What is the median household income in Poweshiek County, IA?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Poweshiek County, IA is $67,391 per year (approximately $5,616 per month).

What is the average rent in Poweshiek County, IA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Poweshiek County, IA are $733 for a studio, $853 for 1 bedroom, $988 for 2 bedrooms, $1,303 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,308 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Poweshiek County, IA compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Poweshiek 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 Poweshiek County, IA?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($988/month) in Poweshiek County, IA requires a minimum gross household income of $39,520 per year ($3,293 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Poweshiek County, IA?

For a typical household earning the median income of $67,391/year ($5,616/month) in Poweshiek County, IA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,808/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,685/month to discretionary spending, and $1,123/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Poweshiek 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.