Cost of Living in Douglas County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Douglas County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Douglas County ranks #520 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Douglas County, Missouri
Douglas Renters Stretch Paychecks Thin
Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% exceeds the national baseline, signaling tighter affordability for renters earning a modest median household income of $49,828—one of the state's lowest. At $687/month for rent, Douglas households spend a larger portion of income on housing than the typical American.
Douglas Ranks Below Average Statewide
With a 16.5% rent-to-income ratio, Douglas County exceeds Missouri's state average of 15.6%, placing it among less affordable counties in the region. The median rent of $687 runs $81 higher than the state average despite the county's below-average income of $49,828.
Douglas Faces Rent Pressures vs. Similar Areas
Douglas County's $687 median rent ranks among the highest in its region—$72 more than Dent ($615) and $55 more than Gasconade ($671)—while household incomes lag. The combination pushes Douglas renters toward the affordability ceiling compared to nearby Dunklin County's 16.0% ratio.
Ownership More Accessible Than Renting Here
Douglas renters allocate 16.5% of their $49,828 annual income to rent, but homeowners fare better at only 13.8% for monthly owner costs ($573). This gap suggests that purchasing a median-valued home ($164,400) may offer better affordability than renting in Douglas.
Buy if You Can; Rent Budget Runs Tight
Douglas County suits buyers more than renters: homeownership costs ($573/month) are genuinely affordable, but rents ($687) strain the modest local income of $49,828. If relocating to Douglas, prioritize home purchase over renting to maximize your housing affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Douglas County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Douglas County is affordable. The median rent is $687/month against a median household income of $49,828, putting rent at 16.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Douglas County is $687/month, while owner costs run $573/month. Owning saves approximately $114/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,557/year. With a median household income of $49,828, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Douglas County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Henry County where rent averages $740/month, Douglas County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Douglas County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,163
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.8%
of gross income
The median home in Douglas County may be a stretch
Median home value is $164,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,312 vs. your max of $1,163.
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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