Cost of living in Hardin County, IA
Population 16,729 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Hardin County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Hardin County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Hardin County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Hardin County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Hardin County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
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 Hardin County
State and local tax rates for Iowa.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Hardin County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Hardin County
What it costs to live in Hardin County each month.
- Rent $668
- Energy $195
- Water $50
- Groceries $315
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $482
- State tax $163
- Rent $877
- Energy $234
- Water $60
- Groceries $522
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $732
- State tax $283
- Rent $1,159
- Energy $292
- Water $70
- Groceries $792
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $732
- State tax $283
Frequently asked questions about Hardin County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Hardin County?
In Hardin County, IA, a one-bedroom apartment averages $668 per month, a two-bedroom averages $877 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,159 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Hardin County?
In Hardin County, IA, the average household income is $64,906 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $39,523 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Hardin County?
The estimated cost of living in Hardin County, IA is approximately $2,673 per month for a single person, $3,992 for a couple, $6,398 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Hardin County?
The combined sales tax rate in Hardin County, IA is 6.94%, which includes the Iowa state rate of 6.00% plus an average local rate of 0.94%.
Is Hardin County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Hardin County, IA would need approximately $2,673 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $64,906 per year ($5,409 per month). Hardin County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.
How much does healthcare cost in Hardin County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Hardin County, IA is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 4.9% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Hardin County?
The average home value in Hardin County, IA is $113,000, with average annual property taxes of $1,613, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Hardin County compare to other areas?
You can compare Hardin County, IA with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Hardin 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 IowaCompare Hardin 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