Cost of Living in Butler County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Butler County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Butler County ranks #2,700 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 14%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Butler County, Missouri
Butler's affordability challenge despite low rent
Butler County's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio is the worst in this group, even though rent at $768 matches the Missouri state average. The culprit is the lowest median household income ($49,213), straining renters despite reasonable housing costs.
Lowest income, highest rent burden
Butler County combines Missouri's lowest median household income ($49,213) with the highest rent-to-income ratio (18.7%) among these eight counties. This income-cost mismatch makes housing deeply unaffordable despite modest rental prices.
Income, not rent, drives Butler's struggle
Butler County's $768 rent matches the state average, but its $49,213 median income trails every comparable county—Caldwell ($62,520), Callaway ($72,645), and others. This income deficit creates an 18.7% rent burden that exceeds all neighbors.
Low wages, standard rents
Butler County households earn just $49,213 annually while paying $768 monthly rent (18.7% of income) or $685 for ownership on median homes valued at $138,800. The affordability crisis stems from wage stagnation rather than inflated housing costs.
Butler County requires higher earnings
At 18.7% rent-to-income, Butler County is the least affordable in this sample despite moderate rent prices—the real issue is income. Consider relocating here only if your job prospects offer substantially higher wages than the $49,213 county median.
Cost of Living Advisory: Butler County
Affordability Verdict
Butler County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $768/month representing approximately 18.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $768/month rent versus $685/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $83/month cheaper — a 11% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,357/year. With a median household income of $49,213, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Butler County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Benton County where rent averages $823/month, Butler County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Butler County
Rent Burden
18.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,148
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Butler County
Median home value is $138,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,108 vs. your max of $1,148.
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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