Cost of Living in Bates County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bates County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bates County ranks #2,070 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 34%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bates County, Missouri
Bates hovers just above state housing average
Bates County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio sits marginally above Missouri's 15.6% state average, reflecting typical rural Missouri housing pressures on moderate incomes. The county's $57,914 median household income runs 22% below the national median.
Bates ranks firmly in Missouri's middle tier
Bates County occupies the middle ground in Missouri's affordability landscape, with rent-to-income and home value metrics reflecting average statewide conditions. The county neither stands out as a bargain nor signals serious affordability stress.
Bates rents competitive with regional peers
Bates' $760 median rent falls between Audrain ($698) and Adair ($782), positioning it squarely in the region's mainstream. Median home values of $154,800 suggest stable but modest appreciation potential compared to higher-demand Ozark counties.
Owners pay slightly more than renters
Renters allocate $760 monthly while homeowners pay $783—an unusual situation where monthly owner costs exceed rents—with median home values at $154,800. The $57,914 median household income means housing claims 15.8% of gross earnings for renters, leaving modest room for savings.
Bates offers balance for modest-income families
If you earn $55,000–$60,000 and value stability over rapid appreciation, Bates delivers straightforward housing economics and community roots. The county works well for families prioritizing school quality and rural character over major career advancement or significant home equity growth.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bates County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Bates County is affordable. The median rent is $760/month against a median household income of $57,914, putting rent at 15.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $760/month rent versus $783/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $23/month cheaper — a 3% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,557/year. With a median household income of $57,914, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Bates County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Bates County sits 7% more expensive than Pemiscot County ($708/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bates County
Rent Burden
15.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,351
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Bates County
Median home value is $154,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,236 vs. your max of $1,351.
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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