Cost of Living in Benton County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Benton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Benton County ranks #1,559 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 50%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Benton County, Missouri
Benton's rent burden surpasses state and nation
Benton County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-worst among these eight counties, exceeding Missouri's 15.6% state average by 21%. With a median household income of just $52,200—30% below the national median—renters face significant affordability strain.
Benton ranks among Missouri's least affordable
Benton County stands near the bottom of Missouri's affordability rankings, with the second-highest rent-to-income ratio in this dataset and below-average household incomes. The county's housing costs consume an outsized share of local earnings.
Benton rents spike relative to low incomes
Benton's $823 median rent ranks fourth-highest in this group, yet its household income of $52,200 ranks lowest among homeowners, creating acute pressure. The county's higher Ozark location drives rents upward despite incomes lagging the rural state average.
Renters face maximum affordability pressure
Renters pay $823 monthly while homeowners invest $618, with median home values at $164,700 offering an ownership path to affordability relief. The $52,200 household income means renters dedicate 18.9% of gross earnings to housing—dangerously close to sustainability limits for working families.
Benton suits homebuyers more than renters
If you're relocating to Benton, prioritize homeownership: owner costs ($618) undercut rents by $205 monthly, providing immediate relief for families with down-payment capacity. Remote workers earning $60,000+ or career-established professionals should strongly consider this county; renters on typical Benton incomes face genuine affordability stress.
Cost of Living Advisory: Benton County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Benton County is affordable. The median rent is $823/month against a median household income of $52,200, putting rent at 18.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $823/month rent versus $618/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $205/month cheaper — a 25% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,486/year. With a median household income of $52,200, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Benton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Missouri, Benton County is less affordable than Franklin County by roughly 6% ($823/mo vs $874/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Benton County
Rent Burden
18.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,218
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.2%
of gross income
The median home in Benton County may be a stretch
Median home value is $164,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,315 vs. your max of $1,218.
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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