Cost of Living in Lafayette County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lafayette County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lafayette County ranks #944 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 30%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lafayette County, Missouri
Lafayette County excels in affordability
Lafayette County renters spend just 12.9% of income on housing, well below the national burden of 18.3%, delivering exceptional affordability. Median household income of $79,091 exceeds the U.S. average by $4,336, creating a double advantage for residents.
Missouri's affordability standout
Lafayette County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.9% is the lowest among comparable Missouri counties and well below the state average of 15.6%. At $848 median rent paired with robust income, Lafayette residents enjoy some of Missouri's best housing value.
Best income-to-rent balance in region
Lafayette County's $848 rent and $79,091 income combination is superior to all compared counties; it rivals Jefferson's affordability while offering lower rent. The rent-to-income ratio of 12.9% is the lowest in the entire regional comparison set.
Housing leaves ample budget flexibility
Renters spend $848 monthly and homeowners $907 from a $79,091 median household income. Housing accounts for only 13–14% of pre-tax income, well within comfort zones and allowing substantial resources for savings and other priorities.
Premium affordability with strong income
Lafayette County delivers the region's best combination of reasonable housing costs and robust earning potential. If you value affordability without sacrificing income opportunities or community resources, Lafayette County is Missouri's premier relocation destination.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lafayette County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Lafayette County is affordable. The median rent is $848/month against a median household income of $79,091, putting rent at 12.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Lafayette County is $848/month, while owner costs run $907/month. Renting saves approximately $59/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,871/year. With a median household income of $79,091, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Lafayette County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to DeKalb County where rent averages $796/month, Lafayette County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lafayette County
Rent Burden
12.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,845
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lafayette County
Median home value is $200,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,599 vs. your max of $1,845.
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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