Special Interest
Housing in Story County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Story County averages $1,018/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 29% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Story County FMR Area are $1,030 for a studio, $1,087 for 1‑bedroom, $1,222 for 2‑bedroom, $1,697 for 3‑bedroom, and $2,050 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $204 increase for a 2-bedroom in Story County shows a 20% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Story County was 2.3% in 2024, compared to Iowa at 3.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
