Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Altoona, IA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30.6% of gross income.
Altoona rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Iowa state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Iowa cities have lower median rent than Altoona, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Altoona
View full rent data for Altoona, IA →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Altoona, IA?
Median rent in Altoona is $1,475 a month. A typical firefighter in Iowa earns about $57,785 a year, which makes that rent 30.6% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Altoona?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Iowa (~$57,785/yr) supports up to $1,445 a month in rent. Altoona's current median rent is $1,475/mo, which is $30/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Altoona?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a firefighter in Iowa works roughly 53.1 hours a month to cover Altoona's median rent of $1,475.
Where is rent cheaper than Altoona for a firefighter?
Nearby Iowa cities with lower median rent include Norwalk ($1,472/mo), Grimes ($1,469/mo), Grimes ($1,465/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.