Cost of Living in Hickory County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hickory County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hickory County ranks #789 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hickory County, Missouri
Hickory's affordability crisis exposed
Hickory County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.9% dramatically exceeds national affordability thresholds, signaling serious housing strain for renters. With median household income just $35,084—less than half the national average of $74,755—housing costs consume nearly a quarter of earnings here.
Missouri's most strained county
At 23.9%, Hickory County's rent burden towers above Missouri's 15.6% state average, placing it among the state's least affordable regions. This gap reflects both lower incomes and housing demand that strains local workers' budgets.
Significantly harder hit than neighbors
Hickory's 23.9% rent ratio far exceeds nearby Harrison (15.0%), Henry (15.7%), and Howell (17.4%), marking it as a distinct affordability outlier. Despite modest rents of $699, low median income creates a severe mismatch between housing costs and earnings.
Income too low for housing costs
Renters pay $699 monthly on a median household income of just $35,084, consuming 23.9% of earnings—nearly double the manageable threshold. Even owners face strain at $606 monthly (20.7% of income), leaving limited resources for other essentials.
Relocate only if jobs follow
Hickory County's severe affordability crisis means relocating here requires securing above-median income to survive housing costs comfortably. Consider this county only if your job prospects significantly exceed local median earnings—otherwise, neighboring counties offer substantially better financial breathing room.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hickory County
Affordability Verdict
Hickory County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $699/month — about 23.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Hickory County pay $699/month on average, compared to $606/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 13%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,971/year. With a median household income of $35,084, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Hickory County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Barry County where rent averages $750/month, Hickory County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hickory County
Rent Burden
23.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$819
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.7%
of gross income
The median home in Hickory County may be a stretch
Median home value is $123,200. Estimated monthly cost: $984 vs. your max of $819.
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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