Cost of Living in Starke County, Indiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Starke County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Starke County ranks #615 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 20%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Starke County, Indiana
Starke County: Affordable Rents, Below-Average Income
Starke County achieves a 13.2% rent-to-income ratio—better than Indiana's 15.6% state average—despite having a median household income of just $62,933. Low rents of $690 monthly make this county exceptionally affordable for tenants, even on modest incomes.
Top Tier for Rental Affordability
Starke County ranks among Indiana's best counties for renters, with a 13.2% rent-to-income ratio that outperforms nearly 70% of the state's counties. The combination of low rents and manageable income expectations makes it a hidden gem for cost-conscious Hoosiers.
Starke's Competitive Rental Market
Starke's $690 rent matches Spencer County ($697) as one of the region's cheapest, while undercutting St. Joseph ($1,030) and Tippecanoe ($1,088) by substantial margins. Owner costs of $803 are similarly competitive, offering genuine options for both renters and buyers.
Low Costs Stretch Limited Income
Starke County households spend $690 on median rent and $803 on owner costs, totaling about 23.9% of income combined across tenures. The 13.2% rent-to-income ratio means renters here have more money left for essentials and savings despite lower overall earnings.
Starke: Maximum Affordability
Moving to Starke County? You'll find some of Indiana's most accessible rents paired with genuinely low home values—a rare combination for families prioritizing affordability over urban amenities. This county delivers exceptional housing value for the budget-stretched.
Cost of Living Advisory: Starke County
Affordability Verdict
Starke County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $690/month representing approximately 13.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 24.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $690/month rent versus $803/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $113/month cheaper — a 14% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,414/year. With a median household income of $62,933, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Starke County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Randolph County where rent averages $741/month, Starke County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Starke County
Rent Burden
13.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,468
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Starke County
Median home value is $148,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,185 vs. your max of $1,468.
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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