Cost of Living in Perry County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Perry County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Perry County ranks #1,881 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Perry County, Missouri
Perry County: Above-Average Housing Burden
Perry County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national baseline, as renters dedicate more than one-sixth of their $63,356 median income to housing each month. The county's $923 median rent—the region's highest—creates affordability pressure despite earning power near the national average.
Higher Costs in a Mid-Tier Income County
Perry County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Missouri's 15.6% state average, and its median rent of $923 significantly outpaces the state average of $768. The county represents a higher-cost housing market within Missouri, requiring stronger incomes to maintain affordability.
Highest Rent Without Highest Income
Perry County's $923 rent is the region's highest, yet its $63,356 median income ranks fourth among eight counties and trails Osage County by $12,000. This rent-to-income mismatch explains why Perry residents face greater affordability strain than peers in lower-cost markets.
Perry's Housing Costs Hit the Hardest
Renters pay $923 monthly—17.5% of the $63,356 median income—while homeowners spend $847, consuming 16% of household earnings. Perry County renters spend significantly more in absolute dollars than peers in other counties, narrowing financial flexibility.
Perry County Suits Higher-Income Relocators
Perry County works best for households relocating with incomes substantially exceeding the $63,356 county median, ideally $75,000+, which would reduce housing burden to manageable levels. If your prospective income matches or falls below the county average, consider lower-cost neighboring counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Perry County
Affordability Verdict
Perry County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $923/month representing approximately 17.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 32.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Perry County is $923/month, while owner costs run $847/month. Owning saves approximately $76/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,300/year. With a median household income of $63,356, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Perry County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Missouri, Perry County is less affordable than St. Louis city by roughly 6% ($923/mo vs $978/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Perry County
Rent Burden
17.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,478
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.0%
of gross income
The median home in Perry County may be a stretch
Median home value is $189,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,512 vs. your max of $1,478.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Perry County, Missouri?
What is the median rent in Perry County?
Is Perry County affordable?
How does Perry County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Perry County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Perry County, Missouri? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Perry County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.