Cost of Living in Atchison County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Atchison County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Atchison County ranks #750 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Atchison County, Missouri
Atchison: Missouri's housing affordability leader
Atchison County's 12.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the lowest in the state and well below the national norm, making it a rare affordability gem. Despite household incomes 21% below the national median, Atchison residents enjoy exceptional housing value.
Best affordability rank in Missouri's rural tier
Atchison leads Missouri counties in housing affordability with the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 12.1%, significantly outpacing the state average of 15.6%. No other county among these eight matches Atchison's combination of low rents and low home values.
Atchison's rents dramatically undercut the region
At $595 monthly, Atchison's median rent is 23% cheaper than Adair ($782) and 22% below state average ($768), while median home values languish at just $100,600. This county sacrifices home appreciation potential in exchange for the lowest living costs in the dataset.
Lowest costs and lowest values converge
Renters allocate just $595 monthly while owners pay $619, with median home values of $100,600 reflecting limited demand and investment. The $59,260 median household income means housing claims only 12% of gross earnings—ideal for budget-conscious families willing to trade equity growth for cash-flow savings.
Atchison suits frugal movers and early retirees
If your priority is maximum affordability and you're prepared for limited home appreciation, Atchison delivers unbeatable monthly costs and low property taxes. Recent retirees on fixed incomes or those building emergency savings should strongly consider this county's exceptional housing-to-income ratio.
Cost of Living Advisory: Atchison County
Affordability Verdict
Atchison County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $595/month — about 12.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Atchison County pay $595/month on average, compared to $619/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 4%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $23,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,529/year. With a median household income of $59,260, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 18.0% of renter households in Atchison County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Missouri, Atchison County is less affordable than Texas County by roughly 8% ($595/mo vs $647/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Atchison County
Rent Burden
12.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,383
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Atchison County
Median home value is $100,600. Estimated monthly cost: $803 vs. your max of $1,383.
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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