Cost of Living in Decatur County, Indiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Decatur County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Decatur County ranks #219 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 7%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Decatur County, Indiana
Decatur County's above-average position
Decatur County renters spend 13.4% of their $74,228 income on housing—below both the national and Indiana state averages while earning nearly identical to the U.S. median of $74,755. This favorable combination makes Decatur one of the region's affordability leaders.
Decatur ranks among Indiana's best
Decatur County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio sits well below Indiana's average of 15.6%, placing it among the state's most affordable counties. At $828 monthly, median rent is nearly $55 below the state average, contributing to this strong affordability position.
Decatur competes with top markets
Decatur County's $828 monthly rent ranks among the region's lowest, undercut only by Crawford ($629) but matching Cass and undercutting Clark and Clinton. Combined with solid median income of $74,228, Decatur delivers a 13.4% rent-to-income ratio that competes with Dearborn and Daviess.
Decatur's balanced housing equation
Decatur residents earning $74,228 allocate $828 to rent or $938 to mortgage payments—consuming 13.4% and 15.2% of income respectively. Median home values of $189,900 position ownership as accessible relative to strong local wages.
Decatur offers premium affordability
If you're relocating to Indiana and seeking the best combination of housing affordability and wage stability, Decatur County ranks among your top choices with a 13.4% rent-to-income ratio. Compare it directly with Daviess and Dearborn counties for the state's most favorable relocations.
Cost of Living Advisory: Decatur County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Decatur County is affordable. The median rent is $828/month against a median household income of $74,228, putting rent at 13.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Decatur County is $828/month, while owner costs run $938/month. Renting saves approximately $110/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,200/year. With a median household income of $74,228, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Decatur County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Indiana, Decatur County is less affordable than Vigo County by roughly 6% ($828/mo vs $879/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Decatur County
Rent Burden
13.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,732
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Decatur County
Median home value is $189,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,516 vs. your max of $1,732.
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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