Cost of Living in Audrain County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Audrain County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Audrain County ranks #1,484 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 47%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Audrain County, Missouri
Audrain keeps housing costs below state average
Audrain County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio edges just below Missouri's 15.6% state average, despite household incomes 25% below the national median. This positions Audrain as an affordability-conscious county where housing remains manageable relative to local earnings.
Audrain ranks as affordable in Missouri's middle
Audrain County sits in the better half of Missouri counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio just under the state average of 15.6%. The county's modest home values of $121,600 reflect steady, sustainable demand without speculative pressure.
Audrain undercuts Adair but trails Atchison
Audrain's median rent of $698 runs 11% cheaper than Adair County ($782) but 17% higher than the county's best bargain, Atchison ($595). Among this peer group, Audrain represents solid middle-ground housing costs with reasonable home values.
Tight budget requires careful housing choices
Renters pay $698 monthly while homeowners invest $652, with median home values at $121,600—a modest but sustainable level. The $56,232 household income means housing consumes just under 15% of gross earnings, leaving limited cushion for emergencies or savings.
Audrain works for stable renters seeking value
If you prioritize affordable rental costs and can sustain steady employment locally, Audrain offers below-state-average housing burdens without extreme isolation. The county suits individuals or couples with stable $55,000+ incomes who value Midwest charm and modest expenses over rapid home equity growth.
Cost of Living Advisory: Audrain County
Affordability Verdict
Audrain County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $698/month — about 14.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Audrain County pay $698/month on average, compared to $652/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 7%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,943/year. With a median household income of $56,232, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Audrain County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Texas County where rent averages $647/month, Audrain County is approximately 8% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Audrain County
Rent Burden
14.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,312
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Audrain County
Median home value is $121,600. Estimated monthly cost: $971 vs. your max of $1,312.
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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