Cost of Living in Ozark County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ozark County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ozark County, Missouri
Ozark County: Below National Affordability
Ozark County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national baseline, as renters dedicate nearly one-fifth of their $42,329 median income to housing costs. The county's bargain-basement rent of $626 per month provides only limited relief when household incomes fall this far below national averages.
Among Missouri's Most Challenged Markets
Ozark County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Missouri's 15.6% state average, ranking the county among the state's least affordable despite having among its cheapest rents. The county's primary challenge is income scarcity, not housing cost inflation.
Cheapest Rent Can't Offset Low Income
Ozark County's $626 rent is the region's lowest, yet its $42,329 median income matches Oregon County's crisis level and trails peers by $10,000-33,000. Low housing costs alone cannot solve an income problem that affects all aspects of household financial security.
Limited Budgets After Housing Costs
Renters in Ozark County spend $626 monthly on rent—17.8% of their $42,329 income—while homeowners commit $494, consuming 14% and leaving tight margins for non-housing expenses. Despite ownership's lower cost, both groups face constrained household budgets.
Ozark County Requires Income Strategy
Ozark County's ultra-low rents ($626) appeal only if you're relocating to employment substantially above the $42,329 county median, ideally $55,000+. Without a concrete, high-paying job opportunity, the county's cheap housing masks underlying affordability challenges.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ozark County
Rent Burden
17.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$988
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.0%
of gross income
The median home in Ozark County may be a stretch
Median home value is $156,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,249 vs. your max of $988.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.