Cost of Living in Lafayette County, Missouri

$848/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$200,300

Median Home Value

10% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$848/mo

10% above state average

Median Home Value

$200,300

29% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

25.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Lafayette County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Lafayette County$848/mo

Missouri Average$768/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$848/mo

Median Gross Rent

$200,300

Median Home Value

$907/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

25.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Lafayette County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio12.9%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lafayette County, Missouri?

Lafayette County, Missouri has a median monthly rent of $848/mo and a median home value of $200,300. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 25.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Lafayette County?

The median gross rent in Lafayette County is $848/mo. This is 10% above state average for Missouri.

Is Lafayette County affordable?

Lafayette County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 25.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Lafayette County's rent compare to the state average?

Lafayette County's median rent of $848/mo is 10% above state average of $768/mo for Missouri.

What is the median home value in Lafayette County?

The median home value in Lafayette County, Missouri is $200,300. This is 29% below the national median home value of $281,900.