Cost of Living in Blackford County, Indiana

$635/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$96,700

Median Home Value

28% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$635/mo

28% below state average

Median Home Value

$96,700

66% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

30.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Blackford County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Blackford County$635/mo

Indiana Average$883/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$635/mo

Median Gross Rent

$96,700

Median Home Value

$682/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

30.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Blackford County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio16.0%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Blackford County, Indiana?

Blackford County, Indiana has a median monthly rent of $635/mo and a median home value of $96,700. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 30.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Blackford County?

The median gross rent in Blackford County is $635/mo. This is 28% below state average for Indiana.

Is Blackford County affordable?

Blackford County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 30.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Blackford County's rent compare to the state average?

Blackford County's median rent of $635/mo is 28% below state average of $883/mo for Indiana.

What is the median home value in Blackford County?

The median home value in Blackford County, Indiana is $96,700. This is 66% below the national median home value of $281,900.