Special Interest
Housing in Monroe County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Monroe County averages $798/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 18% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Monroe County FMR Area are $712 for a studio, $731 for 1‑bedroom, $959 for 2‑bedroom, $1,275 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,280 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $161 increase for a 2-bedroom in Monroe County shows a 20% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Monroe County was 3.1% in 2024, compared to Iowa at 3.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
