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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ozark County ranks #573 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 18%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ozark County
Affordability Verdict
Ozark County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $626/month representing approximately 17.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 23.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Ozark County is $626/month, while owner costs run $494/month. Owning saves approximately $132/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,171/year. With a median household income of $42,329, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Ozark County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Ozark County sits 8% less expensive than Bollinger County ($677/month) in terms of median gross rent.
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
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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