Cost of Living in Jay County, Indiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jay County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jay County ranks #483 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 15%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jay County, Indiana
Jay County's Income and Housing Challenge
Jay County faces the hardest affordability battle in this regional cluster, with a 17.0% rent-to-income ratio and the lowest median household income at just $54,114—nearly $21,000 below the national average. At $766 monthly, rents are the cheapest available, but incomes simply don't stretch far enough to ease the burden.
Jay County's Affordability Struggle
Jay County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Indiana's 15.6% state average, and its median income of $54,114 ranks among the state's lowest. The county's rock-bottom housing costs at $766 monthly can't fully compensate for wages that lag statewide norms.
Jay County: The Region's Toughest Market
Jay County's 17.0% rent burden and $54,114 median income stand out as the least favorable in this cluster—even Henry County's lower incomes are cushioned by better housing-to-income ratios. At $766 monthly, Jay's rents are the cheapest, but that advantage disappears against wages stretched thin.
Jay County's Tight Housing Equation
Jay County residents earning just $54,114 annually dedicate about $766 monthly to rent—17.0% of gross income, the highest burden here. Homeownership at $745 monthly on properties valued around $110,100 looks affordable in isolation but demands careful budgeting given limited local incomes.
Jay County: Proceed With Caution
Jay County's ultra-cheap housing costs of $766 monthly and home values under $111,000 attract relocators on tight budgets, but the county's low median income of $54,114 signals limited job prospects. Only consider Jay if you're relocating with employment already secured or remote work that pays above-county-median wages.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jay County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Jay County is affordable. The median rent is $766/month against a median household income of $54,114, putting rent at 17.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Jay County is $766/month, while owner costs run $745/month. Owning saves approximately $21/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,929/year. With a median household income of $54,114, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Jay County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Pulaski County where rent averages $715/month, Jay County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jay County
Rent Burden
17.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,263
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Jay County
Median home value is $110,100. Estimated monthly cost: $879 vs. your max of $1,263.
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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