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Iowa

Cost of living in Hamilton County, IA

Estimated monthly cost
$2,908/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 14,893 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $753 26%
Federal tax $598 21%
Healthcare $480 17%
Transport $320 11%
Groceries $315 11%
State tax $197 7%
Energy $195 7%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Hamilton County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$704
per month
1 bedroom
$753
per month
2 bedroom
$955
per month
3 bedroom
$1,151
per month
4 bedroom
$1,266
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Hamilton County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$71,750
per year
Individual earnings
$46,620
per year
Per capita
$38,075
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Hamilton County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$132,300
Annual property tax
$1,807

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Hamilton County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$134
per month · 15.8¢/kWh
Natural gas
$61
per month
Annual total
$2,340
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Hamilton County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
4.3%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Hamilton County

State and local tax rates for Iowa.

State income tax
5.7%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
6.0%
Combined sales tax
6.9%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Hamilton County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
21.7 min
Drive alone
83.9%
Public transit
0.1%
Work from home
6.4%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Hamilton County

What it costs to live in Hamilton County each month.

Single person
$2,908
per month
  • Rent $753
  • Energy $195
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $315
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $598
  • State tax $197
Couple
$4,215
per month
  • Rent $955
  • Energy $234
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $522
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $844
  • State tax $316
Family
$6,535
per month
  • Rent $1,151
  • Energy $292
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $792
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $844
  • State tax $316

Frequently asked questions about Hamilton County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Hamilton County?

In Hamilton County, IA, a one-bedroom apartment averages $753 per month, a two-bedroom averages $955 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,151 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Hamilton County?

In Hamilton County, IA, the average household income is $71,750 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $46,620 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Hamilton County?

The estimated cost of living in Hamilton County, IA is approximately $2,908 per month for a single person, $4,215 for a couple, $6,535 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Hamilton County?

The combined sales tax rate in Hamilton County, IA is 6.94%, which includes the Iowa state rate of 6.00% plus an average local rate of 0.94%.

Is Hamilton County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Hamilton County, IA would need approximately $2,908 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $71,750 per year ($5,979 per month). Hamilton County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Hamilton County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Hamilton County, IA is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 4.3% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Hamilton County?

The average home value in Hamilton County, IA is $132,300, with average annual property taxes of $1,807, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Hamilton County compare to other areas?

You can compare Hamilton County, IA with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Hamilton County is in Iowa.

Other counties in Iowa

Browse the full list of counties in Iowa, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Iowa

Compare Hamilton County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources