Cost of Living in Osage County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Osage County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Osage County ranks #165 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 5%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Osage County, Missouri
Osage County: The Affordability Winner
Osage County's rent-to-income ratio of just 10.3% ranks among Missouri's most affordable housing markets, well below the national baseline and allowing renters to dedicate minimal income to housing. With a median household income of $75,355—exceeding the national average—the county offers genuine housing security.
Missouri's Most Accessible Housing Market
Osage County's 10.3% rent-to-income ratio substantially outperforms Missouri's 15.6% state average, positioning it as the county's most housing-affordable option. The combination of strong median income and reasonable housing costs creates a rare affordability sweet spot within Missouri.
Income Advantage Drives Osage's Affordability
Osage County's $644 rent is the region's lowest, and its $75,355 median income is the region's highest—a powerful dual advantage that creates unmatched affordability. Even Newton County's $777 rent consumes proportionally more income due to Osage's superior earning power.
Housing That Won't Break Your Budget
Renters spend just $644 monthly on rent while homeowners commit $698, consuming only 10.3% and 11.1% of the $75,355 median income respectively. These figures leave substantial room in household budgets for savings, transportation, and quality-of-life investments.
Osage County Rewards the Prepared Mover
If you can secure employment near Osage County's median income of $75,355 or higher, you'll land in Missouri's most housing-affordable county with real financial breathing room. Compare Osage's 10.3% housing burden against your current county to quantify your affordability gain.
Cost of Living Advisory: Osage County
Affordability Verdict
Osage County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $644/month — about 10.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Osage County pay $644/month on average, compared to $698/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 8%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,914/year. With a median household income of $75,355, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Osage County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Osage County sits 8% less expensive than Audrain County ($698/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Osage County
Rent Burden
10.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,758
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Osage County
Median home value is $205,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,642 vs. your max of $1,758.
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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