Cost of Living in Carter County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Carter County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Carter County, Missouri
Carter's affordability crisis exceeds national norms
Carter County residents face a 17.6% rent-to-income ratio—one of the highest in the region—compared to a national average near 16%. With a median household income of just $45,083, well below the national median of $74,755, Carter households earn about 40% less than the U.S. average while paying a disproportionate share toward rent.
Among Missouri's least affordable counties
Carter County's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the state's least affordable areas, exceeding Missouri's 15.6% average by two percentage points. This gap reflects the county's lower median income relative to its rental costs, placing it in a precarious affordability zone statewide.
Higher burden than surrounding rural counties
Carter County renters shoulder a heavier burden (17.6%) than nearby Cedar County (20.6% represents a crisis-level ratio), yet significantly more than Clark County (13.7%) to the north. At $661 monthly, Carter's rent undercuts most peers, but low incomes make even modest rents stretch thin.
Low income, stretched housing budget
Median households earning $45,083 annually spend $661 monthly on rent (17.6% of income) or $654 on mortgage costs. This leaves Carter families with limited flexibility for healthcare, education, and savings—typical warning signs of housing-cost stress.
Carter demands careful financial planning
Relocating to Carter County requires honest income assessment; the $661 median rent suits households earning $37,000–$50,000, but current residents struggle even then. Compare Carter's low cost against limited job markets and services—cheap housing alone doesn't guarantee affordability.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Carter County
Rent Burden
17.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,052
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.4%
of gross income
The median home in Carter County may be a stretch
Median home value is $147,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,178 vs. your max of $1,052.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.