Cost of Living in Okeechobee County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Okeechobee County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Okeechobee County ranks #3,018 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 4%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Okeechobee County, Florida
Okeechobee offers Florida's lowest absolute rents
Okeechobee County renters pay a median of just $974 monthly—among the lowest in Florida—and spend 22.4% of their income on housing. However, the median household income of $52,288 falls roughly $22,500 below the national median, reflecting the county's rural character and limited earning opportunities.
Okeechobee ranks at Florida's affordability ceiling
With a rent-to-income ratio of 22.4%, Okeechobee sits at the state average of 22.5%, but this masks a critical reality: the county's median household income of $52,288 is among Florida's lowest. The cheap rents reflect limited rental supply and economic demand rather than true affordability for residents earning so little.
Okeechobee's rent is cheap, but income is cheaper
Okeechobee's $974 median rent undercuts all regional neighbors—Marion ($1,174), Martin ($1,499), and Orange ($1,675)—but its $52,288 household income lags Marion by $6,200 and Orange by nearly $25,000. The absolute savings on rent don't offset the income disadvantage for workers seeking upward mobility.
Okeechobee's low rent masks income constraints
A typical Okeechobee renter earning $52,288 annually pays $974 monthly—a 22.4% ratio that's mathematically affordable but practically tight. Homeowners fare better at $712 monthly (16.3% of income), yet the median home value of $179,000 still requires significant savings in a county with limited wage growth.
Okeechobee suits only ultra-budget relocators
Okeechobee County delivers the state's lowest rents and cheapest homes, but only consider relocating here if you're remote-working or retiring—local wages lag substantially. Compare your income requirements against Marion or Okaloosa counties to ensure you're not trading rent savings for economic stagnation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Okeechobee County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Okeechobee County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $974/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Okeechobee County is $974/month, while owner costs run $712/month. Owning saves approximately $262/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,514/year. With a median household income of $52,288, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Okeechobee County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Florida, Okeechobee County is more affordable than Columbia County by roughly 6% ($974/mo vs $915/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Okeechobee County
Rent Burden
22.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,220
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.3%
of gross income
The median home in Okeechobee County may be a stretch
Median home value is $179,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,429 vs. your max of $1,220.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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