Cost of Living in Owen County, Indiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Owen County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Owen County ranks #484 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 15%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Owen County, Indiana
Owen County rents strain budgets.
At 18.4%, Owen County's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national average, signaling that housing consumes an outsized share of household income here. The $912 monthly rent against a $59,586 median income represents one of the tightest housing-cost burdens in this group of counties.
Least affordable in Indiana.
Owen County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio stands well above Indiana's 15.6% state average, making it among the state's least affordable counties for renters. Households here dedicate notably more of their earnings to housing than typical Hoosiers, creating budget pressure statewide.
Highest burden in the region.
Owen County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio towers above all nearby counties, with its $912 rent among the highest in the group paired with lower-than-average income. This combination makes Owen County the most housing-stressed county in this regional comparison.
Housing dominates household budget.
The median Owen County household with $59,586 income dedicates 18.4% to rent ($912/month) or 16.8% to mortgage costs ($833/month), leaving less discretionary income than neighboring counties. Combined, housing can consume over one-third of gross income for many households, creating genuine affordability challenges.
Consider whether costs fit your reality.
Owen County's housing burden outpaces most peer counties, so carefully evaluate if this move makes financial sense for your household. If housing costs are already stretching your budget, comparing Owen County's percentages against your current situation could reveal important trade-offs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Owen County
Affordability Verdict
Owen County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $912/month — about 18.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $912/month rent versus $833/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $79/month cheaper — a 9% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,700/year. With a median household income of $59,586, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Owen County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Fulton County where rent averages $861/month, Owen County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Owen County
Rent Burden
18.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,390
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Owen County
Median home value is $162,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,296 vs. your max of $1,390.
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 Owen 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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