Cost of Living in Howard County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Howard County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Howard County ranks #1,358 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 43%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Howard County, Missouri
Howard balances income and housing
Howard County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% sits just below Missouri's state average of 15.6%, indicating solid affordability for renters. With median household income of $62,628 and monthly rents of $807, housing costs consume a manageable slice of earnings.
Slightly better than state average
At 15.5%, Howard County nearly matches Missouri's 15.6% state benchmark, positioning it among the more livable counties statewide. This stability reflects both reasonable rents and above-average household incomes supporting the local housing market.
Premium pricing, solid income support
Howard County's $807 rent runs higher than Harrison ($666), Henry ($740), and Holt ($702), reflecting stronger local demand and prosperity. Its median home value of $145,300 and household income of $62,628 support these higher housing costs better than most regional peers.
Higher costs, higher incomes
Renters pay $807 monthly while owners invest $798 against a solid median household income of $62,628. This means renters dedicate 15.5% of earnings to housing, while owners commit about 15.3%—both sustainable for households with steady employment.
Howard rewards higher earners
Consider Howard County if you're relocating with above-average income—your earnings will stretch comfortably across local housing costs and community amenities. The county's stronger economic profile means better schools, services, and long-term home value appreciation potential.
Cost of Living Advisory: Howard County
Affordability Verdict
Howard County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $807/month — about 15.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Howard County is $807/month, while owner costs run $798/month. Owning saves approximately $9/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,200/year. With a median household income of $62,628, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Howard County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Missouri, Howard County is more affordable than Nodaway County by roughly 7% ($807/mo vs $754/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Howard County
Rent Burden
15.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,461
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Howard County
Median home value is $145,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,160 vs. your max of $1,461.
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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