Cost of Living in Clinton County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Clinton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Clinton County ranks #1,819 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 42%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clinton County, Missouri
Rent costs climb above national norm
Clinton County renters spend 16.7% of their income on housing, outpacing the national average by more than a full percentage point. While the county's median household income of $70,625 sits slightly below the nation's $74,755, monthly rent of $985 creates a tighter squeeze for renters here than in most U.S. counties.
Missouri's least affordable county
Clinton County has the highest rent-to-income ratio in Missouri at 16.7%, well above the state average of 15.6%. With median rent at $985 compared to Missouri's $768 statewide average, this county stands out as one of the state's most expensive places to rent.
Pricier than surrounding counties
Clinton County's median rent of $985 runs substantially higher than neighboring Cole County ($804), DeKalb County ($796), and Cooper County ($763). Only Crawford County comes close in overall affordability pressure, though Clinton's higher incomes make the rent burden relatively steeper here.
Housing eats 16.7% of income
The median household in Clinton County allocates $985 monthly to rent (or $1,155 for ownership), consuming 16.7% of the $70,625 annual income. Between rent, mortgage, and property costs, housing remains the largest fixed expense for most families here.
Consider the trade-offs carefully
If you're weighing a move to Clinton County, the higher rents demand higher income—the median here is competitive, but housing costs are above state norms. Compare your household budget against the $985 median rent and $1,155 median ownership costs to ensure affordability aligns with your situation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clinton County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Clinton County is affordable. The median rent is $985/month against a median household income of $70,625, putting rent at 16.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $985/month rent versus $1,155/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $170/month cheaper — a 15% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $49,500/year. With a median household income of $70,625, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Clinton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Taney County where rent averages $925/month, Clinton County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clinton County
Rent Burden
16.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,648
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Clinton County
Median home value is $204,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,631 vs. your max of $1,648.
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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