Cost of Living in Carroll County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Carroll County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Carroll County ranks #770 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Carroll County, Missouri
Carroll's rent burden sits below national average
Carroll County renters spend 15.3% of their income on rent, slightly below the national median of roughly 16%. With a median household income of $61,712 against the national average of $74,755, residents here earn about 17% less than their U.S. counterparts but manage a more favorable rent-to-income ratio.
Mid-range affordability across Missouri
Carroll County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% places it just below Missouri's state average of 15.6%, indicating slightly better than typical housing affordability for the region. The median rent of $785 exceeds the state average of $768 by just $17, suggesting Carroll sits in the middle tier of Missouri's housing market.
More affordable than northern peers
Carroll County renters face lower burdens than neighboring Clay County (17.0% rent-to-income) but slightly higher costs than Chariton County to the east (10.2%). At $785 monthly, Carroll's median rent falls between Clark County's $589 and Cass County's $1,147, reflecting its position in Missouri's housing spectrum.
Where Carroll's housing dollars go
On a median income of $61,712, Carroll renters pay $785 monthly (15.3% of income) while homeowners spend $680 monthly toward ownership costs. Together, these patterns show that housing consumes roughly one-sixth of household income in Carroll, leaving adequate room for other expenses.
Consider Carroll for moderate costs
If you're weighing relocation options, Carroll County offers below-national-average rent burdens without the premium prices of Cass or Clay counties. Compare these costs against your own income expectations—Carroll's $785 median rent suits households earning $50,000 to $75,000 particularly well.
Cost of Living Advisory: Carroll County
Affordability Verdict
Carroll County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $785/month — about 15.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Carroll County is $785/month, while owner costs run $680/month. Owning saves approximately $105/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,143/year. With a median household income of $61,712, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Carroll County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Missouri, Carroll County is more affordable than New Madrid County by roughly 7% ($785/mo vs $734/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Carroll County
Rent Burden
15.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,440
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Carroll County
Median home value is $110,500. Estimated monthly cost: $882 vs. your max of $1,440.
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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