Cost of Living in Vigo County, Indiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Vigo County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Vigo County ranks #2,996 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 5%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Vigo County, Indiana
Vigo County faces serious housing affordability challenges
Renters spend 20.1% of their income on housing—well above the sustainable 12-15% range and one of Indiana's worst ratios. The county's median household income of $52,525 trails the national median by $22,230, making every housing dollar harder to find.
Among Indiana's most cost-burdened counties
Vigo County's 20.1% rent-to-income ratio is nearly 5 points worse than Indiana's state average of 15.6%, placing it among the state's least affordable places. Low incomes combined with persistent housing costs create a difficult equation for renters.
Higher costs, lower incomes
Vigo County's rent of $879 is among the highest in the peer group despite having the lowest median income ($52,525) of any neighbor. This unfavorable combination makes the county's affordability crisis especially acute compared to surrounding areas.
Housing takes the biggest bite here
With median rent at $879 and homeowner costs at $851, housing consumes just over one-fifth of median household income of $52,525. This leaves minimal room in budgets for other essentials like healthcare, childcare, and emergency savings.
Reconsider Vigo as a relocation destination
If you're planning a move to Vigo County, carefully assess the 20.1% housing burden against lower wage prospects compared to other Indiana counties. Nearby alternatives like Union County (11.9%) or Vermillion County (15.9%) may better protect your household budget.
Cost of Living Advisory: Vigo County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Vigo County is affordable. The median rent is $879/month against a median household income of $52,525, putting rent at 20.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $879/month rent versus $851/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $28/month cheaper — a 3% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,471/year. With a median household income of $52,525, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Vigo County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Vigo County sits 6% more expensive than Decatur County ($828/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Vigo County
Rent Burden
20.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,226
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Vigo County
Median home value is $140,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,121 vs. your max of $1,226.
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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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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