Cost of Living in Carroll, IA
Population 10,261 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Carroll is a smaller Iowa community of around 10000 residents, where median household incomes of $59,323 and housing costs ($184,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Carroll is about 75 miles west of Des Moines, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Des Moines' $184,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Carroll
The median home value in Carroll is $184,100 — 40% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $718/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,323/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. Overall, Carroll has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Carroll, IA?
Carroll has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.
What is average rent in Carroll, IA?
The median gross rent in Carroll is $718 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carroll?
The median home value in Carroll is $184,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Carroll?
The median household income in Carroll is $59,323 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carroll, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carroll is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Carroll, IA affordable?
Yes, Carroll is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.
Carroll at a Glance
- Population
- 10,261
- Median Income
- $59,323
- Home Value
- $184,100
- Median Rent
- $718/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.1%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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