Cost of Living in Buchanan County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Buchanan County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Buchanan County ranks #3,032 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 4%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Buchanan County, Missouri
Buchanan residents stretch to afford rent
At 17.9%, Buchanan County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average and Missouri's 15.6% state norm. Median rent of $889 monthly eats into household income of $59,423, creating affordability headwinds for renters.
Second-worst affordability in Missouri
Buchanan County ranks second-worst in this group with a 17.9% rent-to-income ratio, trailing only Boone County's college-town spike. The median rent of $889 runs $121 above the state average, squeezing renters with below-average income.
Costlier than nearby Callaway
Buchanan County renters pay $889 monthly (17.9% of income) compared to Callaway's more manageable $850 (14.0%), despite similar household incomes. The $111 annual rent premium adds up—and so does the affordability gap versus Caldwell County at just 12.1%.
Split down the middle
Buchanan County households earn $59,423 annually, with renters paying $889 monthly (17.9%) and homeowners facing $890 in monthly costs on median homes worth $156,600. Owner and renter burdens are nearly identical, indicating steady—if constrained—affordability across tenure types.
Buchanan works if you prioritize location
If you're relocating to Buchanan County, budget for the second-highest housing costs in this region at 17.9% of income. Nearby Callaway and Caldwell offer significantly better affordability for similar employment and quality of life.
Cost of Living Advisory: Buchanan County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Buchanan County is affordable. The median rent is $889/month against a median household income of $59,423, putting rent at 18.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Buchanan County is $889/month, while owner costs run $890/month. Renting saves approximately $1/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,143/year. With a median household income of $59,423, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Buchanan County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Camden County where rent averages $838/month, Buchanan County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Buchanan County
Rent Burden
18.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,387
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Buchanan County
Median home value is $156,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,250 vs. your max of $1,387.
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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