Cost of Living in Barton County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Barton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Barton County, Missouri
Barton faces Missouri's toughest rent burden
Barton County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks as the highest among these eight counties and far exceeds Missouri's 15.6% state average. With the lowest median household income at $49,503—34% below the national median—Barton renters face severe affordability stress.
Barton ranks among Missouri's least affordable
Barton County stands near the bottom of Missouri's affordability rankings, with the state's worst combination of low incomes and high rent-to-income ratios. The 18.8% rent burden signals that housing absorbs nearly one-fifth of gross household earnings.
Barton's rent burden dwarfs comparable counties
Barton's $777 rent is only 1% below Adair's ($782) but its household income of $49,503 is 12% lower, creating the region's worst affordability ratio. Residents here face substantially tighter housing costs than neighbors earning similar wages.
Barton renters stretch tight budgets dangerously
Renters pay $777 monthly while homeowners invest $620, with median home values at $136,000 favoring ownership economics. The $49,503 household income means renters dedicate 18.8% of gross earnings to housing—perilously close to the 20% threshold that signals affordability crisis.
Barton demands homeownership or higher income
Unless you can secure homeownership or relocate with income above $60,000, Barton presents genuine affordability challenges for renters. Job seekers relocating here should negotiate salaries carefully: this county's housing costs demand household incomes near or above $55,000 to maintain financial stability.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Barton County
Rent Burden
18.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,155
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Barton County
Median home value is $136,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,086 vs. your max of $1,155.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.