Cost of Living in Lawrence County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lawrence County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lawrence County ranks #2,035 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lawrence County, Missouri
Lawrence County affords moderate relief
Lawrence County renters spend 16.9% of income on housing, modestly below the national burden of 18.3%, offering some affordability advantage. Median household income of $55,849 lags the U.S. average, yet lower rents of $785 monthly ease the load.
Slightly above Missouri average affordability
Lawrence County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% slightly exceeds Missouri's state average of 15.6%, but its $785 rent is notably below the state median of $768. The modest premium reflects slightly lower incomes offset by reasonable housing costs.
Good value in regional context
Lawrence County's $785 rent is significantly cheaper than Jasper ($904) and Jefferson ($972) but higher than Knox ($661) and Lewis ($627). With moderate income of $55,849, Lawrence offers balanced affordability—better than Jasper, worse than Knox.
Housing fits modestly in budget
Renters pay $785 monthly while homeowners spend $790 from a $55,849 median household income. Housing consumes roughly 17% of pre-tax income for renters and 17% for owners—manageable but requiring careful household budgeting.
Solid value for rural-leaning seekers
Lawrence County balances lower housing costs with moderate income, positioning it between affordability-first Knox and income-focused Jefferson. If you want better rent than Jasper with more economic vitality than the smallest counties, Lawrence merits consideration.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lawrence County
Affordability Verdict
Lawrence County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $785/month representing approximately 16.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $785/month rent versus $790/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $5/month cheaper — a 1% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,857/year. With a median household income of $55,849, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Lawrence County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Missouri, Lawrence County is more affordable than New Madrid County by roughly 7% ($785/mo vs $734/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lawrence County
Rent Burden
16.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,303
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lawrence County
Median home value is $159,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,276 vs. your max of $1,303.
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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