RentData

Average Rent in Washington County, IA Rents falling 1.3% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 22,539

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Washington County, IA has rental prices ranging from $662/month to $1,173/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $674/month — 52% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $71,339/year, spending $674/month on a 1-bedroom represents 11% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Washington County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $882/month, Washington County ranks #35 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Iowa — more affordable than 79% of all US cities in our data.

The Washington County Rental Market

The Washington County, IA area has a population of about 22,539 and 28% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Washington County, IA have fallen by $12/month (1.3%) over the past year, from $894 to $882. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Washington County, IA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $26,960. The local median household income of $71,339 exceeds that threshold by $44,379, making Washington County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Washington County, IA has an unemployment rate of 2.7%, 1.2 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$662
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$674
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$882
1.3% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,102
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,173
Affordable
🔔
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Is Washington County, IA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$35,280/year
Local median income: $71,339
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $882/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in IAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Omaha$990$1,052$1,261$1,675
Jasper County$707$711$920$1,265
Des Moines$954$1,017$1,216$1,632
Cedar Rapids$681$757$993$1,391
Iowa City$816$921$1,105$1,548
Waterloo$684$760$997$1,301

Rent or Buy in Washington County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Washington County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$882/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $882/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Washington County

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Washington County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Washington County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in IA

See how Washington County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Washington County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋IA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections