Cost of Living in Winterset, IA
Population 5,384 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Winterset offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $182,000 — costs less than 2.6 times median household income of $69,268, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. An unemployment rate of 2.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Winterset is about 25 miles southwest of Des Moines, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Des Moines' $184,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Winterset
The median home value in Winterset is $181,500 — 40% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $943/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,268/year is 7% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, 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, Winterset has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% less expensive.
Winterset 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 Winterset, IA?
Winterset has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.
What is average rent in Winterset, IA?
The median gross rent in Winterset is $943 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Winterset?
The median home value in Winterset is $181,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Winterset?
The median household income in Winterset is $69,268 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Winterset, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Winterset is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Winterset, IA affordable?
Yes, Winterset is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.
Winterset at a Glance
- Population
- 5,384
- Median Income
- $69,268
- Home Value
- $181,500
- Median Rent
- $943/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.7%
- 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