Cost of Living in Newton, IA
Population 15,696 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Newton is a smaller Iowa community of around 16000 residents, where median household incomes of $56,321 and housing costs ($152,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Located 30 miles east of Des Moines, Newton falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Newton
The median home value in Newton is $151,600 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $828/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,321/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 59.5°F and lows of 39.6°F. Overall, Newton has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 30 | 35 | 49 | 62 | 71 | 80 | 84 | 82 | 76 | 63 | 48 | 35 |
| Low °F | 13 | 17 | 28 | 39 | 51 | 61 | 64 | 61 | 53 | 41 | 29 | 19 |
| Precip" | 1.02 | 1.35 | 2.31 | 3.84 | 4.78 | 5.60 | 3.85 | 4.22 | 3.16 | 2.89 | 1.94 | 1.61 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Newton, IA?
Newton has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.
What is average rent in Newton, IA?
The median gross rent in Newton is $828 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Newton?
The median home value in Newton is $151,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Newton?
The median household income in Newton is $56,321 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Newton, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Newton is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Newton, IA affordable?
Yes, Newton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Newton?
Newton has average high temperatures of 59.5°F and average lows of 39.6°F. Annual precipitation is 36.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Newton at a Glance
- Population
- 15,696
- Median Income
- $56,321
- Home Value
- $151,600
- Median Rent
- $828/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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