Cost of Living in Clark County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Clark County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Clark County ranks #1,087 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clark County, Missouri
Clark County offers genuine rural affordability
Clark County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average near 16%, while median rent of just $589 ranks among Missouri's lowest. With median household income of $51,458, Clark residents earn substantially less than the national median of $74,755, yet their low housing costs deliver real affordability.
Below-average costs, below-average incomes
Clark County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio sits below Missouri's 15.6% state average, and its $589 median rent falls $179 beneath the state average of $768. This combination makes Clark one of Missouri's most affordable rural counties for renters specifically.
Competitive with region's cheapest rents
Clark County's $589 median rent undercuts most regional peers, exceeding only Chariton's exceptional $540 and matching Carter at $661. Its 13.7% rent burden sits between rural affordability champions Chariton (10.2%) and Carter (17.6%), positioning Clark as a solid middle-ground option.
Modest rent, modest income balance
On a median income of $51,458, Clark households spend $589 monthly on rent (13.7%) or $564 on mortgage costs. These low absolute costs mean Clark residents retain roughly $4,200 monthly after housing for food, transportation, and essentials—genuine financial breathing room for rural Missouri.
Clark rewards remote workers and retirees
Clark County's $589 rent suits households earning $40,000–$65,000, particularly those with flexible or remote employment. If you're relocating with stable income from outside the county, Clark's low costs and rural character offer exceptional value compared to Missouri's suburban and urban alternatives.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clark County
Affordability Verdict
Clark County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $589/month representing approximately 13.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 25.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Clark County is $589/month, while owner costs run $564/month. Owning saves approximately $25/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $23,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,171/year. With a median household income of $51,458, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Clark County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Clark County sits 9% less expensive than Osage County ($644/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clark County
Rent Burden
13.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,201
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Clark County
Median home value is $117,600. Estimated monthly cost: $939 vs. your max of $1,201.
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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