Cost of Living in Monroe County, Indiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Monroe County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Monroe County ranks #2,252 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 28%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Monroe County, Indiana
Monroe County's affordability crisis
Monroe County renters spend 21.8% of their income on housing—the highest burden among these eight counties and well above healthy national benchmarks. A median household income of $63,372 struggles to support rents averaging $1,151, creating significant affordability strain.
Indiana's least affordable county here
Monroe County's 21.8% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds Indiana's 15.6% state average, marking it as the state's most expensive option in this sample. The median rent of $1,151 tops all neighboring counties and runs $268 above the state average.
A premium among Indiana neighbors
Monroe County's $1,151 rent exceeds every comparable county, from Marion County's $1,107 to Martin County's $643—a $508 spread in the region. The median home value of $261,700 is the highest here, reflecting the county's expensive housing market driven largely by Bloomington's presence.
Monroe's housing burden breakdown
Renters earning Monroe County's $63,372 median income dedicate $1,151 monthly to rent—a substantial 21.8% of gross earnings. Homebuyers facing a median home value of $261,700 pay $1,108 monthly, a burden that consumes roughly 21% of household income.
High costs justified by amenities, not affordability
Monroe County's steep housing costs reflect Bloomington's university presence, amenities, and demand rather than exceptional income levels. Relocating here requires either higher income or budget restructuring; those prioritizing affordability should explore Marion County ($1,107 rent) or Martin County ($643 rent) instead.
Cost of Living Advisory: Monroe County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Monroe County is affordable. The median rent is $1,151/month against a median household income of $63,372, putting rent at 21.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,151/month rent versus $1,108/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $43/month cheaper — a 4% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $46,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,486/year. With a median household income of $63,372, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 35.0% of renter households in Monroe County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Johnson County where rent averages $1,208/month, Monroe County is approximately 5% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Monroe County
Rent Burden
21.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,479
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.0%
of gross income
The median home in Monroe County may be a stretch
Median home value is $261,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,089 vs. your max of $1,479.
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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