Cost of Living in Clarinda, IA
Population 5,366 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Clarinda sits on the smaller end of the Iowa city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 9.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Clarinda is about 65 miles southeast of Omaha, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 51% lower than Omaha's $230,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Clarinda
The median home value in Clarinda is $112,200 — 63% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $653/month, 50% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,644/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.0%, above 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, Clarinda has a cost of living index of 42 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% less expensive.
Clarinda has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 Clarinda, IA?
Clarinda has a cost index of 42 (100 = national average). It is 58% below the national average.
What is average rent in Clarinda, IA?
The median gross rent in Clarinda is $653 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Clarinda?
The median home value in Clarinda is $112,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Clarinda?
The median household income in Clarinda is $50,644 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Clarinda, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Clarinda is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Clarinda, IA affordable?
Yes, Clarinda is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 42 — about 58% below the US national average of 100.
Clarinda at a Glance
- Population
- 5,366
- Median Income
- $50,644
- Home Value
- $112,200
- Median Rent
- $653/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.0%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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