Cost of Living in McDonald County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How McDonald County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
McDonald County ranks #2,117 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 33%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in McDonald County, Missouri
McDonald County's affordability crisis
At 19%, McDonald County's rent-to-income ratio far exceeds both national and state averages, making housing costs a genuine burden for renters. With the lowest median household income in this group ($48,145) paired with $764 monthly rents, residents face a serious affordability squeeze.
Missouri's least affordable county here
McDonald County's 19% rent-to-income ratio ranks worst among all eight counties and significantly exceeds Missouri's state average of 15.6%. This means renters here spend nearly one-fifth of their income on housing—the highest burden in the regional comparison.
McDonald struggles compared to peers
McDonald County's $764 rent sits in the middle regionally, but paired with the lowest median income ($48,145), creates the worst affordability ratio. Residents pay a 19% rent-to-income ratio—more than 3 percentage points above the state average.
Nearly 20% of income on rent
Renters in McDonald County spend $764 monthly while homeowners pay $692, with median home values of $134,100. At 19% of income dedicated to rent, housing costs create the tightest squeeze in this eight-county group.
McDonald County demands careful planning
McDonald County's 19% rent-to-income ratio signals genuine affordability challenges—housing costs will eat significantly into your budget here. Before moving, compare your income carefully to these costs and explore neighboring counties like Maries or Linn for better affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: McDonald County
Affordability Verdict
McDonald County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $764/month representing approximately 19.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 25.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in McDonald County is $764/month, while owner costs run $692/month. Owning saves approximately $72/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,657/year. With a median household income of $48,145, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in McDonald County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Madison County where rent averages $817/month, McDonald County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in McDonald County
Rent Burden
19.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,123
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in McDonald County
Median home value is $134,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,071 vs. your max of $1,123.
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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