Cost of Living in Cresco, IA
Population 3,901 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Cresco 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. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 0.3% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Cresco is about 50 miles southeast of Rochester, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 63% lower than Rochester's $288,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Cresco
The median home value in Cresco is $105,200 — 66% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $814/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,769/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.3%, 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, Cresco has a cost of living index of 45 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% less expensive.
Cresco 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 Cresco, IA?
Cresco has a cost index of 45 (100 = national average). It is 55% below the national average.
What is average rent in Cresco, IA?
The median gross rent in Cresco is $814 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cresco?
The median home value in Cresco is $105,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Cresco?
The median household income in Cresco is $60,769 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cresco, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cresco is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Cresco, IA affordable?
Yes, Cresco is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 45 — about 55% below the US national average of 100.
Cresco at a Glance
- Population
- 3,901
- Median Income
- $60,769
- Home Value
- $105,200
- Median Rent
- $814/mo
- Unemployment
- 0.3%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs