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
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.
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
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.