
Author
Evan Brooks
Data Editor
Data editor for the ByCounty Network, responsible for methodology documentation, source review, and editorial QA on county-level reports built from public datasets.
Evan Brooks is the editorial byline for ByCounty Network data review, methodology maintenance, and source attribution across the network.
The role is the data-editor role, not the subject-matter-expert role. ByCounty designs data pipelines that pull each dataset, documents the methodology behind every composite score and ranking, spot-checks generated narratives against the underlying statistics before publication, and records methodology changes. The sites are transparent data utilities, not professional advisory services.
When a feature genuinely requires domain expertise — a public-health analyst weighing in on CDC measure choice, a CPA reviewing a property-tax explainer — ByCounty uses a named co-byline reviewer rather than presenting the data editor as a domain-credentialed professional. The reviewer commitment for each site is documented on that site's editorial-standards page, including the recruit status when no domain reviewer is currently in place.
Every statistic on the site is traceable to a primary source, every methodology decision is documented, and every page lists a "Last reviewed" date where editorial review applies.
Coverage areas
- Census ACS housing-cost tables (B25064, B25104, B19013)
- county-level affordability indexing
- relocation and cost-of-living comparison methodology
Articles by Evan on CostByCounty
Most Affordable Counties in America (2026)
The 25 most affordable US counties ranked by median rent, with income and home value data. Find where your dollar goes furthest.
Most Expensive Counties to Live In (2026)
The 25 most expensive US counties ranked by median rent. See where housing costs are highest and what income you need to afford them.
Cost of Living Comparison: Remote Work Edition
What a $100K salary buys in expensive vs affordable counties. Data-driven comparison of high-cost metros and low-cost rural areas for remote workers.
Cheapest Places to Live in America (2026)
The 30 cheapest US counties ranked by combined rent and home value. Find where housing costs are lowest — with real income data to prove these are livable communities.
Average Rent by State: All 50 States Ranked (2026)
Average monthly rent for all 50 states ranked from most to least expensive. See how your state compares and find the cheapest and most expensive states for renters.
Most Affordable Counties to Buy a Home (2026)
The 25 most affordable US counties to buy a home, ranked by median home value. See where homeownership is within reach.
Most Expensive Counties for Renters (2026)
The 25 most expensive US counties for renters ranked by median rent, with rent burden analysis. See where renters pay the most.
Where Renters Are Most Cost-Burdened (2026)
The 25 counties where renters spend the highest share of income on housing. GRAPI-based rankings with income data.
Best Counties for Remote Workers by Cost (2026)
The 25 best US counties for remote workers based on housing costs, home values, and local economic stability.
Retiree-Friendly Counties: Low Cost, Solid Value (2026)
25 counties where retirees can stretch fixed income with low rent and affordable home values.
Income Needed to Live Comfortably in Every State (2026)
The exact income needed to afford average rent in all 50 states without exceeding 30% of gross income.
Rent vs. Own: Which Is Cheaper in Every State? (2026)
State-by-state comparison of average rent vs. average monthly owner cost. See where renting or buying wins.
Counties Where Rent Is Rising Fastest (2026)
Counties showing signs of rapid rent appreciation based on rent burden, market pressure, and demand signals.
Most Affordable Rural Counties (2026)
The 25 most affordable rural US counties ranked by rent-to-income ratio. Low costs, livable communities.
Midwest vs. Coast: Where Your Dollar Goes Further (2026)
Regional cost of living comparison: Midwest vs. Coast counties. Rent, home values, and affordability analysis.