Cost of Living in Blackford County, Indiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Blackford County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Blackford County ranks #477 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 15%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Blackford County, Indiana
Blackford County offers Indiana's lowest housing costs
Blackford County renters spend 16.0% of income on housing—below national affordability thresholds—while earning just $47,560 annually, placing this county among Indiana's lowest-income regions. At $635 monthly rent, Blackford delivers the state's most affordable rental market, though household incomes reflect limited economic opportunity.
Indiana's most affordable rental market
Blackford County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% matches the state average of 15.6%, but median rent of $635 is the lowest in Indiana—$248 cheaper than the state median of $883. This east-central county represents the deepest housing affordability available to Indiana renters.
Dramatically cheaper than surrounding counties
Blackford County's $635 rent undercuts every neighboring county—Adams ($799), Benton ($834), and Carroll ($874)—by substantial margins. Median home value of $96,700 also represents the lowest entry price in the region, making Blackford the budget option for rural Indiana housing.
Rock-bottom costs, rock-bottom income
Renters earning just $47,560 annually ($3,963 monthly) allocate $635 to rent, consuming 16.0% of gross income. Homeowners pay $682 monthly, maintaining affordable ratios but reflecting the county's broader economic struggles and limited job opportunities.
Maximum affordability comes with trade-offs
Blackford County offers Indiana's lowest housing costs at $635 rent and $96,700 median home values, but median household income of $47,560 signals limited employment and wage growth. Consider this county only if you have remote work or external income sources; otherwise, prioritize counties with stronger job markets that can support sustainable long-term relocation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Blackford County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Blackford County is affordable. The median rent is $635/month against a median household income of $47,560, putting rent at 16.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Blackford County pay $635/month on average, compared to $682/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 7%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,229/year. With a median household income of $47,560, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Blackford County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Indiana, Blackford County is less affordable than Starke County by roughly 8% ($635/mo vs $690/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Blackford County
Rent Burden
16.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,110
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Blackford County
Median home value is $96,700. Estimated monthly cost: $772 vs. your max of $1,110.
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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