Cost of Living in Dade County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dade County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dade County ranks #2,171 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 31%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dade County, Missouri
Lowest incomes, affordable rents
Dade County's median household income of $49,899 is among the nation's lowest, yet renters spend just 15.6% on housing—matching the national ratio and beating Missouri's average of 15.6%. The median rent of $650 reflects the county's rural character and economic challenges, though affordability is surprisingly stable.
Lowest income, balanced ratio
Dade County has Missouri's lowest median household income among these eight counties at $49,899, but its 15.6% rent-to-income ratio meets the state average exactly. The median rent of $650 ranks among the state's cheapest, offsetting the county's income disadvantage.
Cheapest rents in the region
Dade County's median rent of $650 is the lowest among all eight counties studied, undercutting Dallas County ($685), Daviess County ($731), and all others. However, the county's median income of $49,899 is also the lowest regionally, making the low rents a reflection of economic conditions rather than housing value.
15.6% of income to rent
Households in Dade County earn a median of $49,899 annually and allocate roughly $650 monthly to rent or $651 for ownership, consuming 15.6% of gross income. The near-parity between rent and ownership costs reflects the county's modest home values of $157,200.
Lowest cost, but lowest incomes
Dade County offers the region's cheapest housing, but prospective residents should understand this reflects limited employment opportunities and lower wages statewide. If stable, above-average income is achievable in your field, Dade's low costs could stretch your budget far; otherwise, consider counties with stronger job markets.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dade County
Affordability Verdict
Dade County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $650/month — about 15.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Dade County is $650/month, while owner costs run $651/month. Renting saves approximately $1/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,900/year. With a median household income of $49,899, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Dade County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Dade County sits 7% less expensive than Holt County ($702/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dade County
Rent Burden
15.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,164
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.7%
of gross income
The median home in Dade County may be a stretch
Median home value is $157,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,255 vs. your max of $1,164.
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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