Safe Rate Local

Cost of Living in Iron County

Is it better to rent or buy in Iron County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

← Back to Iron County Hub

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$50,367
$683/mo

Median in area: $683

$126,903

Median in area: $126,903

$25,381

If you Rent

🔑
$867 /mo
Base Rent$683
Est. Utilities$184
% of Income20.7%
Pre-tax Residual$3,330

If you Buy

🏠
$1,026 /mo
P&I (7.222%)$691
Taxes & Ins$151
Est. Utilities$184
% of Income24.4%
Pre-tax Residual$3,172

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Iron County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countySt. Francois County, MO
$786/mo
countyWayne County, MO
$655/mo
countyMadison County, MO
$718/mo
countyWashington County, MO
$798/mo
countyReynolds County, MO
$628/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Iron County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Iron County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $867, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,026 per month (a difference of $159).

How much do utilities cost in Iron County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Iron County is approximately $184. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Iron County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Iron County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $34,680 per year.