Cost of Living in Benton County, Indiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Benton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Benton County ranks #509 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 16%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Benton County, Indiana
Benton County offers modest affordability relief
Benton County renters spend 16.2% of income on housing—below the national affordability threshold and competitive with most U.S. counties. At a median household income of $61,811 (17% below the national average of $74,755) with $834 monthly rent, this rural county delivers accessible housing despite below-average earning power.
Slightly above Indiana's affordability average
Benton County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% edges above Indiana's state average of 15.6%, though modestly. With median rent of $834, it falls just below the state median of $883, positioning Benton as a borderline-affordable option within Indiana's rental landscape.
Competitive with surrounding rural areas
Benton County's $834 rent undercuts nearby Carroll County ($874) and rivals Adams County ($799) in rural affordability. Home values of $135,400 represent one of Indiana's lowest, offering entry-level ownership opportunities in this sparsely populated northwest region.
Tight household budgets benefit from low housing
Renters earning $61,811 annually ($5,151 monthly) allocate $834 to rent—16.2% of gross income, leaving modest cushion for other essentials. Homeowners pay $864 monthly, creating similar affordability pressures across both tenure types in this lower-income county.
Benton County: maximum affordability, minimal income
Benton County delivers some of Indiana's lowest home values ($135,400) and reasonable rents, but earn the lowest median household income statewide at $61,811. If housing cost is your sole concern, Benton offers relief; if career advancement and income growth matter, weigh limited local job markets against its undeniable housing affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Benton County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Benton County is affordable. The median rent is $834/month against a median household income of $61,811, putting rent at 16.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Benton County pay $834/month on average, compared to $864/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,029/year. With a median household income of $61,811, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Benton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Knox County where rent averages $782/month, Benton County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Benton County
Rent Burden
16.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,442
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Benton County
Median home value is $135,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,081 vs. your max of $1,442.
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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