Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Council Bluffs

Affordability

In Council Bluffs, the median monthly rent is $1,030 and the median household income is $64,578 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). About 37% of residents rent their homes, reflecting a sizable renter community that may benefit from the city's income-based and HUD-assisted housing options.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Council Bluffs Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 421 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

Getting Around Council Bluffs

According to Walk Score, the areas around assisted properties in Council Bluffs score 47 (Car-Dependent) for walkability, 0 (No Nearby Transit) for transit, and 71 for bikeability. Most errands will require a car, though the area is relatively bikeable.

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 18 public schools across 2 districts serve Council Bluffs, including 12 elementary, 3 middle, and 3 high schools. Ratings and options vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before applying.

Cost of Living in Council Bluffs

The median household income in Council Bluffs is $64,578 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates. The citywide median rent is $1,030 per month, also per Census ACS 5-Year data.

Income-based housing can meaningfully reduce that cost burden. The 663 subsidized units across 11 HUD-assisted properties in Council Bluffs set rents as a percentage of a household's income rather than at market rate, making them an important resource for renters who qualify.

Flood and Environmental Exposure

Of the 11 affordable housing properties mapped for flood risk in Council Bluffs, 1 falls within a high-risk flood zone. The remaining 10 properties carry low or minimal flood exposure according to flood zone mapping data.