Cost of Living in Dearborn County, Indiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dearborn County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dearborn County ranks #378 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dearborn County, Indiana
Dearborn County's exceptional affordability
Dearborn County residents spend just 12.3% of their $82,693 income on rent—the lowest ratio in the entire region and well below the national and state averages. This exceptional affordability combines the highest median household income in the county set with moderate housing costs.
Dearborn leads Indiana affordability
Dearborn County's 12.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Indiana's most affordable counties, significantly below the state average of 15.6%. This superior performance reflects the county's combination of strong wages and reasonable rents.
Dearborn's winning affordability formula
Dearborn County's $848 monthly rent undercuts Clark ($1,058) and Clinton ($915) while matching Cass and Daviess, but paired with the region's highest median income of $82,693, it delivers the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 12.3%. This combination makes Dearborn the clear affordability leader.
Dearborn's income-to-housing balance
Dearborn residents with the region's highest median household income of $82,693 dedicate $848 to rent or $1,110 to mortgage payments—consuming just 12.3% and 16.1% of income respectively. Home values of $227,100 remain accessible given strong local wages.
Dearborn: Premium affordability choice
If you're relocating and prioritizing housing affordability with strong local income potential, Dearborn County is Indiana's top choice at 12.3% rent-to-income ratio. This southeastern Indiana county near Cincinnati offers exceptional value: lowest housing cost burden in the region paired with highest median wages.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dearborn County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Dearborn County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $848/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Dearborn County pay $848/month on average, compared to $1,110/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 24%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,571/year. With a median household income of $82,693, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Dearborn County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Indiana, Dearborn County is more affordable than Miami County by roughly 7% ($848/mo vs $794/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dearborn County
Rent Burden
12.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,930
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Dearborn County
Median home value is $227,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,813 vs. your max of $1,930.
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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