Rural America is having a moment. Remote work, rising metro costs, and a renewed appreciation for space and community have drawn attention to counties that most Americans have never heard of. But which rural counties offer the best value?
We filtered for counties with median rents under $750/month, median home values under $150,000, and median household incomes above $30,000 — thresholds that ensure these are livable communities, not ghost towns. Then we ranked them by rent-to-income ratio to find the most affordable rural counties in America.
The 25 Most Affordable Rural Counties
Ranked by rent-to-income ratio from lowest to highest.
| Rank | County | State | Median Rent | Home Value | Income | Rent/Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cottle County | Texas | $323/mo | $54,100 | $58,819 | 0.5% |
| 2 | Sheridan County | North Dakota | $373/mo | $107,700 | $67,361 | 0.6% |
| 3 | Hardin County | Illinois | $342/mo | $91,700 | $57,155 | 0.6% |
| 4 | Schuyler County | Missouri | $382/mo | $118,200 | $56,023 | 0.7% |
| 5 | Hayes County | Nebraska | $419/mo | $112,800 | $60,313 | 0.7% |
| 6 | Schleicher County | Texas | $627/mo | $113,400 | $90,141 | 0.7% |
| 7 | Crockett County | Texas | $585/mo | $140,000 | $81,739 | 0.7% |
| 8 | Jerauld County | South Dakota | $565/mo | $127,000 | $75,417 | 0.7% |
| 9 | Burke County | North Dakota | $725/mo | $141,900 | $96,339 | 0.8% |
| 10 | Garfield County | Nebraska | $519/mo | $144,900 | $68,611 | 0.8% |
| 11 | Greenlee County | Arizona | $570/mo | $136,300 | $75,239 | 0.8% |
| 12 | Scotland County | Missouri | $516/mo | $141,100 | $67,568 | 0.8% |
| 13 | Worth County | Missouri | $353/mo | $94,600 | $46,167 | 0.8% |
| 14 | Miner County | South Dakota | $563/mo | $114,100 | $72,589 | 0.8% |
| 15 | Steele County | North Dakota | $630/mo | $120,400 | $80,313 | 0.8% |
| 16 | Emmons County | North Dakota | $551/mo | $112,400 | $67,368 | 0.8% |
| 17 | Rolette County | North Dakota | $479/mo | $93,000 | $57,355 | 0.8% |
| 18 | Jones County | South Dakota | $544/mo | $117,100 | $64,688 | 0.8% |
| 19 | Chariton County | Missouri | $540/mo | $118,900 | $63,307 | 0.9% |
| 20 | McLean County | Kentucky | $602/mo | $145,600 | $70,549 | 0.9% |
| 21 | Mitchell County | Texas | $481/mo | $85,700 | $56,033 | 0.9% |
| 22 | LaSalle Parish | Louisiana | $576/mo | $137,200 | $67,077 | 0.9% |
| 23 | LaMoure County | North Dakota | $607/mo | $118,000 | $70,263 | 0.9% |
| 24 | Palo Alto County | Iowa | $599/mo | $119,300 | $68,963 | 0.9% |
| 25 | Nelson County | North Dakota | $593/mo | $114,500 | $68,051 | 0.9% |
Why Rural Counties Are Surging in Popularity
The pandemic accelerated a trend that was already underway: Americans leaving expensive cities for more affordable rural and small-town life. The counties on this list represent the sweet spot — low costs without total isolation.
- Remote work compatibility: Many of these counties are within an hour of a regional airport and have improving broadband access.
- Lower overall cost structure: Not just housing — groceries, gas, insurance, and services are often cheaper too.
- Stronger community ties: Smaller populations mean more connected communities and shorter lines for everything.
- Outdoor access: Many rural counties offer hunting, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor recreation right outside your door.
The Counterintuitive Finding: Some Rural Counties Outperform Urban Ones
When you factor in the full cost of living — not just rent, but also taxes, commute costs, and lifestyle expenses — some rural counties deliver a higher quality of life per dollar than major metros.
A household earning $60,000/year in a rural county with a 15% rent-to-income ratio has more disposable income than a household earning $100,000 in a city with a 40% rent-to-income ratio. The rural household has less access to certain amenities, but significantly more financial freedom.
Challenges of Rural Living
- Healthcare distance: The nearest hospital may be 30+ minutes away. Telemedicine helps, but emergencies require proximity.
- Limited retail: Big-box stores and specialty shops may require a trip to a larger town.
- Social adjustment: Moving from a diverse, bustling city to a homogeneous small town is a significant lifestyle shift.
- Weather exposure: Rural roads may not be plowed as quickly, and power outages can last longer.
- Job market depth: While remote work solves this for many, those who need local employment have fewer options.
Methodology
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). Counties filtered for median gross rent under $750/month, median home value under $150,000, and median household income above $30,000. Ranked by rent-to-income ratio. Counties with missing data were excluded.
Data source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). All figures are estimates based on survey data and may not reflect current market conditions.