Special Interest
Housing in Palo Alto County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Palo Alto County averages $638/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Iowa median of $972 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 23% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Palo Alto County FMR Area are $682 for a studio, $700 for 1‑bedroom, $919 for 2‑bedroom, $1,222 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,227 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $281 increase for a 2-bedroom in Palo Alto County shows a 44% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Palo Alto County was 2.5% in 2024, compared to Iowa at 3.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
