Cost of Living in Oregon County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Oregon County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Oregon County ranks #598 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Oregon County, Missouri
Oregon County: Affordability Crisis Territory
Oregon County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among America's least affordable housing markets, as renters dedicate nearly one-fifth of their $44,259 median income to rent alone. This ratio far exceeds the national baseline and signals genuine housing stress for the county's residents.
Missouri's Most Strained Housing Market
Oregon County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio represents one of Missouri's highest affordability pressures, dramatically exceeding the state average of 15.6%. The county ranks among the state's least affordable despite having among its lowest rents, revealing a critical income-to-housing mismatch.
Lowest Rent, Lowest Income, Highest Strain
Oregon County's $735 rent is the region's cheapest, yet its median income of $44,259 is lowest among its peers, creating the worst affordability ratio in the comparison. Both Ozark County and Pemiscot County face similar challenges, but Oregon's income disadvantage amplifies the crisis.
One-Fifth of Income Consumed by Rent
Renters in Oregon County spend $735 monthly on rent—nearly 20% of their $44,259 household income—leaving constrained budgets for food, utilities, and transportation. Homeowners fare somewhat better at $560 monthly, but ownership paths remain limited for those earning this county's median income.
Oregon County Demands Substantial Income Gains
If you're considering Oregon County, honestly assess whether your prospective income will exceed the $44,259 median by at least 25-30%; otherwise, housing will consume a troubling share of your budget. The county's rock-bottom housing costs only matter if you're moving into a higher-paying opportunity.
Cost of Living Advisory: Oregon County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Oregon County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $735/month in gross rent, with 32.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Oregon County pay $735/month on average, compared to $560/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 24%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,000/year. With a median household income of $44,259, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Oregon County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Missouri, Oregon County is less affordable than St. Francois County by roughly 6% ($735/mo vs $786/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Oregon County
Rent Burden
19.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,033
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Oregon County
Median home value is $117,700. Estimated monthly cost: $940 vs. your max of $1,033.
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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