Cost of Living in Delaware County, Indiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Delaware County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Delaware County ranks #2,557 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Delaware County, Indiana
Delaware rents strain modest incomes
Delaware County renters spend 18.4% of their income on rent, significantly above the national comfort zone and approaching the danger threshold for affordability. The county's lower median household income of $56,932 makes housing costs bite harder here than in wealthier regions.
Among Indiana's least affordable counties
Delaware ranks below the state average rent-to-income ratio of 15.6%, with its 18.4% placing it among Indiana's more expensive counties relative to local incomes. This gap signals housing pressure that exceeds most of the state.
Higher rents, lower incomes create squeeze
Delaware's $874 median rent sits above the state average of $883 while incomes lag peers in surrounding counties. This combination makes Delaware one of the region's tighter housing markets for renters on limited budgets.
Housing costs consume household budgets
Renters pay $874 monthly against a median income of just $56,932, using nearly a fifth of gross income for rent alone. Homeowners fare slightly better at $774 monthly, but both groups feel the affordability pinch in Delaware.
Delaware demands careful budget planning
If you're considering Delaware, factor in that housing absorbs a larger share of household income than most Indiana counties. Shop neighboring counties for comparison—a short move could meaningfully improve your housing affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Delaware County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Delaware County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $874/month in gross rent, with 31.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Delaware County is $874/month, while owner costs run $774/month. Owning saves approximately $100/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,171/year. With a median household income of $56,932, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Delaware County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Indiana, Delaware County is less affordable than Jasper County by roughly 6% ($874/mo vs $926/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Delaware County
Rent Burden
18.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,328
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Delaware County
Median home value is $127,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,019 vs. your max of $1,328.
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
What is the cost of living in Delaware County, Indiana?
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Counties with Similar Housing Costs
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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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