Cost of Living in Scott County, Indiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Scott County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Scott County ranks #839 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Scott County, Indiana
Scott Faces Housing Affordability Strain
Scott County renters spend 17.4% of income on housing—above Indiana's 15.6% state average and notably above the national affordability comfort zone. With the region's lowest median household income at $54,583, Scott residents face the greatest housing cost pressure in this analysis.
Indiana's Most Strained Housing Market
Scott County ranks as one of Indiana's least affordable counties for renters, with a 17.4% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by 1.8 percentage points. This is driven by both lower incomes and moderate rent levels, creating a challenging affordability picture.
Lowest Incomes, Moderate Rents
Scott's $790 rent is reasonable compared to peers, but its $54,583 median income is substantially lower than any county in this analysis, creating the worst affordability ratio. Compared to Pulaski County's similar rent on 10% higher income, Scott residents face genuine financial strain.
Housing Dominates the Budget
Scott renters spend $790 monthly from a median income of just $4,549 per month, leaving only 82.6% of earnings for all other expenses after housing. Homeowners pay $762 monthly on properties worth $145,400, but lower incomes make ownership harder to achieve and maintain.
Scott Requires Careful Financial Planning
Scott County's affordability challenges mean relocating here works only if you bring above-county-median income or have substantial savings. Consider Pulaski, Randolph, or Ripley counties if housing affordability is essential to your relocation decision.
Cost of Living Advisory: Scott County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Scott County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $790/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Scott County pay $790/month on average, compared to $762/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 4%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,657/year. With a median household income of $54,583, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Scott County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Dearborn County where rent averages $848/month, Scott County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Scott County
Rent Burden
17.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,274
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Scott County
Median home value is $145,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,161 vs. your max of $1,274.
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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