Cost of Living in Waukon, IA
Population 3,796 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Waukon is a smaller Iowa community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $56,250 and housing costs ($134,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Located 70 miles southeast of Rochester, Waukon is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 53% lower than Rochester's $288,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Waukon
The median home value in Waukon is $133,700 — 56% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $719/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,250/year is 25% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, 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, Waukon has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.
Waukon 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 Waukon, IA?
Waukon has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.
What is average rent in Waukon, IA?
The median gross rent in Waukon is $719 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Waukon?
The median home value in Waukon is $133,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Waukon?
The median household income in Waukon is $56,250 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Waukon, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waukon is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Waukon, IA affordable?
Yes, Waukon is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.
Waukon at a Glance
- Population
- 3,796
- Median Income
- $56,250
- Home Value
- $133,700
- Median Rent
- $719/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.4%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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