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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Carter County ranks #819 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 26%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Carter County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Carter County is affordable. The median rent is $661/month against a median household income of $45,083, putting rent at 17.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Carter County is $661/month, while owner costs run $654/month. Owning saves approximately $7/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,029/year. With a median household income of $45,083, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Carter County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to St. Clair County where rent averages $607/month, Carter County is approximately 9% more expensive.
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
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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