Cost of Living in Fulton County, Indiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Fulton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Fulton County ranks #294 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 9%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Fulton County, Indiana
Fulton's rent crunch exceeds US norms
Fulton County renters spend 16.4% of their income on rent, slightly above the national trend but within reasonable bounds. With a median household income of $62,878—about 16% below the national average of $74,755—residents here feel the squeeze more acutely than raw percentages suggest.
Above Indiana's affordability line
Fulton's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% places it above Indiana's state average of 15.6%, though not dramatically. The county's median rent of $861 falls slightly below the state average of $883, suggesting modest housing costs offset by lower-than-average incomes.
Mid-range among rural Indiana peers
Fulton's $861 rent sits between Greene County ($788) and Gibson County ($914), anchoring it in the affordability middle of rural north-central Indiana. Home buyers face median costs of $762/month—competitive with nearby counties but for properties worth just $144,700.
Where Fulton's housing dollars go
Renters dedicate $861 monthly while homeowners pay $762—making ownership slightly cheaper than renting for those who can access mortgages. Combined with a $62,878 median income, housing consumes nearly one-sixth of household budgets, leaving modest room for other expenses.
Budget-conscious buyers, take note
Fulton offers below-state-average rents and sub-$150,000 median home values for buyers willing to accept rural living and lower average incomes. Compare these numbers against Greene County's slightly cheaper rents or Hamilton County's higher-income stability to find your fit.
Cost of Living Advisory: Fulton County
Affordability Verdict
Fulton County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $861/month — about 16.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Fulton County is $861/month, while owner costs run $762/month. Owning saves approximately $99/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,657/year. With a median household income of $62,878, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Fulton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Indiana, Fulton County is less affordable than Owen County by roughly 6% ($861/mo vs $912/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Fulton County
Rent Burden
16.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,467
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Fulton County
Median home value is $144,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,155 vs. your max of $1,467.
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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