Cost of Living in Dent County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dent County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dent County ranks #1,032 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 33%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dent County, Missouri
Dent's Rent Burden Beats National Odds
At 13.6%, Dent County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national benchmark, meaning renters here spend a smaller share of earnings on housing than most Americans. The county's median household income of $54,306 is 27% lower than the national average of $74,755, yet affordable rents of $615/month help keep housing costs manageable.
Dent Leads Missouri on Affordability
Dent County ranks among Missouri's most affordable places to rent, with its 13.6% rent-to-income ratio beating the state average of 15.6% by 2 percentage points. The county's median rent of $615 is also $153 cheaper than the state median of $768, making it a bright spot in a state with mixed affordability.
Dent's Rental Market Edges Out Regional Peers
Compared to neighboring Gasconade County (12.4% ratio) and Douglas County (16.5%), Dent holds steady in the middle with reasonable rents and solid income levels. Renters in Dent pay $615/month versus $687 in Douglas, a meaningful $72 difference on modest rural incomes.
Rent and Ownership Both Light on Wallet
Dent renters dedicate roughly 13.6% of their $54,306 annual income to rent ($615/month), while homeowners spend about 14.3% on mortgage and property costs ($646/month). Both figures sit comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing leaves most households room for other necessities.
Rural Comfort: Consider Dent for Value
If you're relocating for lower housing costs without sacrificing too much on income, Dent County delivers: affordable rents, reasonable home values ($149,700 median), and an affordability ratio among Missouri's best. Compare Dent's $615 rent against pricier counties like Greene ($940) or Franklin ($874) to see the savings potential.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dent County
Affordability Verdict
Dent County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $615/month representing approximately 13.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Dent County is $615/month, while owner costs run $646/month. Renting saves approximately $31/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $24,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,686/year. With a median household income of $54,306, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Dent County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Dent County sits 8% less expensive than Harrison County ($666/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dent County
Rent Burden
13.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,267
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Dent County
Median home value is $149,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,195 vs. your max of $1,267.
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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