Can A Nursing Assistant Afford Rent in Waukee, IA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 52.7% of gross income.
Waukee rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Iowa state estimate).
About rent and a nursing assistant salary
Nursing assistant (CNA) pay falls below the rent threshold for a one-bedroom in nearly every US metro, which is the central tension behind the widely studied direct-care workforce affordability gap. At the national-average CNA salary, the 30% rule supports about $990 a month in rent — below median rent in most cities. The per-city pages quantify how far below.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Iowa cities have lower median rent than Waukee, which improves the affordability math on a nursing assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Waukee
View full rent data for Waukee, IA →Frequently asked questions
Can a nursing assistant afford rent in Waukee, IA?
Median rent in Waukee is $1,601 a month. A typical nursing assistant in Iowa earns about $36,441 a year, which makes that rent 52.7% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a nursing assistant afford in Waukee?
Using the 30% rule, a nursing assistant salary in Iowa (~$36,441/yr) supports up to $911 a month in rent. Waukee's current median rent is $1,601/mo, which is $690/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a nursing assistant work to cover rent in Waukee?
At an hourly equivalent of about $18 an hour, a nursing assistant in Iowa works roughly 91.4 hours a month to cover Waukee's median rent of $1,601.
Where is rent cheaper than Waukee for a nursing assistant?
Nearby Iowa cities with lower median rent include Altoona ($1,593/mo), Altoona ($1,577/mo), Altoona ($1,568/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a nursing assistant salary.