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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Barton County ranks #2,123 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 32%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Barton County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Barton County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $777/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Barton County pay $777/month on average, compared to $620/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 20%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,571/year. With a median household income of $49,503, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Barton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Missouri, Barton County is more affordable than Miller County by roughly 7% ($777/mo vs $724/mo).
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
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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