Cost of Living in Vanderburgh County, Indiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Vanderburgh County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Vanderburgh County ranks #2,955 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Vanderburgh County, Indiana
Vanderburgh County faces housing affordability strain
Renters here spend 19.0% of their income on housing—significantly above the sustainable 12-15% range and well above the national average. With a median household income of just $60,938 (18% below the national median), rising rents of $964 per month create real pressure on household budgets.
Among Indiana's least affordable counties
Vanderburgh County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.0% ranks far worse than Indiana's state average of 15.6%, placing it among the state's most burdened communities. The county's combination of lower wages and higher rents creates a double squeeze on renters.
Pricier than surrounding areas
Vanderburgh County's rent of $964 is the highest among its peer group—$172 more than Union County and $185 more than Vermillion County to the north. Despite higher housing costs, incomes are among the lowest, making the affordability gap especially acute.
Housing eats a bigger slice
With median rent at $964 and homeowner costs at $963, renters and owners pay nearly identical amounts on housing that consumes nearly a fifth of median household income. At $60,938 in median income, families have less flexibility to absorb housing cost increases.
Weigh Vanderburgh carefully in a move decision
If you're considering relocating to Vanderburgh County, compare its 19% rent-to-income ratio against neighboring options like Union County (11.9%) or Vermillion County (15.9%). The cost of living trade-offs here are steeper than across much of Indiana.
Cost of Living Advisory: Vanderburgh County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Vanderburgh County is affordable. The median rent is $964/month against a median household income of $60,938, putting rent at 19.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Vanderburgh County pay $964/month on average, compared to $963/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 0%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,271/year. With a median household income of $60,938, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Vanderburgh County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Indiana, Vanderburgh County is more affordable than Owen County by roughly 6% ($964/mo vs $912/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Vanderburgh County
Rent Burden
19.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,422
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Vanderburgh County
Median home value is $172,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,376 vs. your max of $1,422.
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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