Cost of Living in Cedar County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cedar County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cedar County ranks #2,054 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cedar County, Missouri
Cedar faces severe affordability crisis
Cedar County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's worst, far exceeding the national average near 16%. With a median household income of just $45,577 against the national median of $74,755, Cedar residents earn roughly 39% less while devoting more than one-fifth of income to rent alone.
Missouri's most unaffordable county housing
Cedar County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Missouri's 15.6% state average, making it one of the state's most strained housing markets. This gap reveals the county's acute mismatch between wages and housing costs, positioning Cedar in a critical affordability zone.
Worst burden in rural Missouri cluster
Cedar County's renters face the heaviest burden among its rural peers: 20.6% versus Carter's 17.6%, Chariton's 10.2%, and Clark's 13.7%. At $783 monthly, Cedar's rent actually sits near the state average, but low incomes transform modest costs into an unaffordable crisis.
Majority of income consumed by housing
Cedar County's median household income of $45,577 means $783 monthly rent claims 20.6% of earnings, while mortgage payments reach $703. This leaves families with under $3,000 monthly for food, transportation, utilities, and healthcare—a precarious situation by any standard.
Cedar demands extraordinary caution
Cedar County housing is only viable for those with household incomes exceeding $50,000 and secure employment; the county's limited job market amplifies already-severe affordability stress. Relocate to Cedar only after confirming stable, well-paying work—low rent masks a deeper economic challenge.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cedar County
Affordability Verdict
Cedar County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $783/month representing approximately 20.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Cedar County pay $783/month on average, compared to $703/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 10%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,129/year. With a median household income of $45,577, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Cedar County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Cedar County sits 7% more expensive than Daviess County ($731/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cedar County
Rent Burden
20.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,063
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.5%
of gross income
The median home in Cedar County may be a stretch
Median home value is $162,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,297 vs. your max of $1,063.
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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