Cost of Living in Greene County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Greene County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Greene County ranks #1,153 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 37%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Greene County, Missouri
Greene's Rent Burden Outpaces National Norms
Greene County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% significantly exceeds the national baseline, making it one of the nation's most challenging rental markets for working families. With a median household income of $57,488 and rents of $940/month, Greene renters spend a notably larger share of earnings on housing than typical Americans.
Greene Ranks Among Missouri's Least Affordable
At 19.6%, Greene County's rent-to-income ratio dramatically exceeds Missouri's state average of 15.6%, marking it as one of the state's toughest rental markets. The median rent of $940 runs $172 above the state average despite a median household income below state norms.
Greene's Rents Far Outpace Regional Peers
Greene's median rent of $940 is the region's highest by a wide margin—$269 more than Dent ($615), $253 more than Gentry ($620), and even $66 more than Franklin ($874). This affordability crunch reflects Greene's larger urban center (Springfield) driving up housing demand and costs.
Housing Consumes Outsized Share of Income
Greene renters allocate a concerning 19.6% of their $57,488 annual income to $940 monthly rent, while homeowners spend 20.9% ($1,001/month) on ownership costs. Both figures approach or exceed the 30% affordability threshold, leaving households limited financial flexibility for emergencies and savings.
Greene: Premium Urban Living Comes at a Cost
Greene County suits relocating professionals with above-median incomes seeking urban amenities and job opportunities in Springfield, but genuine affordability challenges exist for average earners. If your salary significantly exceeds the $57,488 median or you prioritize urban lifestyle over affordability, Greene may justify the premium rents.
Cost of Living Advisory: Greene County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Greene County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $940/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $940/month rent versus $1,001/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $61/month cheaper — a 6% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,900/year. With a median household income of $57,488, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Greene County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Buchanan County where rent averages $889/month, Greene County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Greene County
Rent Burden
19.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,341
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.9%
of gross income
The median home in Greene County may be a stretch
Median home value is $203,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,625 vs. your max of $1,341.
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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