Cost of Living in Cole County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cole County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cole County ranks #1,106 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cole County, Missouri
Below-average rent burden statewide
Cole County renters spend just 13.2% of their income on housing, nearly 3 percentage points below the national average and well below Missouri's state average of 15.6%. With a median household income of $73,273 and median rent of $804, the county offers one of Missouri's most balanced housing-to-income ratios.
Among Missouri's most affordable
Cole County ranks among the state's best performers on housing affordability, with a 13.2% rent-to-income ratio that beats the Missouri average by 2.4 points. The county's median rent of $804 falls below the state's $768 average, making it a notably accessible market.
Beats all nearby counties
Cole County's median rent of $804 and 13.2% rent-to-income ratio outperform every adjacent county, including DeKalb ($796 rent, 13.8% ratio) and Cooper ($763 rent, 13.6% ratio). This positions Cole as the affordability leader in its immediate region.
Housing takes 13.2% of income
The typical Cole County household earns $73,273 annually and pays $804 monthly for rent or $950 for ownership, consuming just 13.2% of gross income. This balance leaves renters and owners more breathing room for other expenses compared to state and national averages.
A solid affordability case
Cole County presents a compelling option for renters and homebuyers seeking reasonable housing costs without sacrificing income levels. The median household income of $73,273 combined with moderate rent and mortgage costs make this county one of Missouri's most livable markets.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cole County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Cole County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $804/month in gross rent, with 22.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Cole County is $804/month, while owner costs run $950/month. Renting saves approximately $146/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,714/year. With a median household income of $73,273, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Cole County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Barry County where rent averages $750/month, Cole County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cole County
Rent Burden
13.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,710
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.6%
of gross income
The median home in Cole County may be a stretch
Median home value is $214,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,712 vs. your max of $1,710.
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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