Cost of Living in Shenandoah, IA
Population 4,913 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Shenandoah 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. Around 22% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Shenandoah is about 50 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 52% lower than Omaha's $230,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Shenandoah
The median home value in Shenandoah is $110,000 — 64% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $762/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,469/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, 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, Shenandoah has a cost of living index of 45 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% less expensive.
Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah, IA?
Shenandoah has a cost index of 45 (100 = national average). It is 55% below the national average.
What is average rent in Shenandoah, IA?
The median gross rent in Shenandoah is $762 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Shenandoah?
The median home value in Shenandoah is $110,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Shenandoah?
The median household income in Shenandoah is $52,469 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Shenandoah, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Shenandoah is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Shenandoah, IA affordable?
Yes, Shenandoah is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 45 — about 55% below the US national average of 100.
Shenandoah at a Glance
- Population
- 4,913
- Median Income
- $52,469
- Home Value
- $110,000
- Median Rent
- $762/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.2%
- 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