Cost of Living in Caldwell County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Caldwell County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Caldwell County ranks #279 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 9%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Caldwell County, Missouri
Caldwell County: Missouri's affordability leader
Caldwell County's 12.1% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this entire group and well below both the national standard and Missouri's 15.6% average. At $628 monthly, the median rent is the cheapest here, making Caldwell an exceptional affordability standout.
Best rent-to-income ratio in sample
Caldwell County ranks first among these eight counties with a 12.1% rent-to-income ratio, beating the state average by 3.5 percentage points. This affordability advantage reflects both low rents and a stable household income of $62,520.
Unbeaten affordability in the region
Caldwell County's $628 rent and 12.1% ratio crush neighbors: Bollinger (14.2%), Callaway (14.0%), and Cape Girardeau (15.3%) all cost more. Caldwell delivers the region's best rent-to-income value by a clear margin.
Rent and ownership both reasonable
Caldwell County households earn $62,520 annually and allocate just 12.1% to rent ($628) or $717 for homeownership on median properties valued at $156,700. Both tenure paths remain affordable, with ownership costs slightly higher but still manageable.
Caldwell: the affordability winner
If housing affordability is your top priority, Caldwell County delivers: 12.1% rent-to-income, the lowest rent at $628, and reasonable home values at $156,700. This is Missouri's best value among comparable counties in this analysis.
Cost of Living Advisory: Caldwell County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Caldwell County is affordable. The median rent is $628/month against a median household income of $62,520, putting rent at 12.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Caldwell County pay $628/month on average, compared to $717/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 12%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,729/year. With a median household income of $62,520, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Caldwell County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Caldwell County sits 8% less expensive than Grundy County ($679/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Caldwell County
Rent Burden
12.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,459
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Caldwell County
Median home value is $156,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,251 vs. your max of $1,459.
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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