Cost of Living in Pettis County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pettis County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pettis County ranks #2,464 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 22%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pettis County, Missouri
Pettis County: Moderate Affordability Strain
Pettis County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national baseline, with renters spending more than one-sixth of their $60,232 median income on rent monthly. The county's $863 median rent—among the region's highest—pushes affordability toward the challenging range despite moderate income levels.
Above Missouri Average, Above-Average Rents
Pettis County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Missouri's 15.6% state average, and its median rent of $863 ranks well above the state average of $768. The county represents a higher-cost housing market requiring stronger incomes than most Missouri counties.
Pettis Competes with Perry on Price
Pettis County's $863 rent trails only Perry County's $923, yet its $60,232 median income lags both Newton ($64,583) and Osage ($75,355) by meaningful margins. This positions Pettis as one of the region's pricier markets on more modest incomes than peers.
Higher Rents Strain Moderate Incomes
Renters in Pettis County spend $863 monthly—17.2% of their $60,232 median income—while homeowners commit $761, consuming 15.1% of household earnings. Both figures exceed comfortable affordability thresholds, leaving limited financial cushion for non-housing expenses.
Pettis Works for Income-Growing Relocators
Pettis County suits relocators confident their income will grow beyond the $60,232 county median within 1-2 years of moving, reducing housing burden below 15%. If your prospective income matches or trails the county average, compare more affordable neighbors like Newton or Osage before committing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pettis County
Affordability Verdict
Pettis County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $863/month — about 17.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $863/month rent versus $761/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $102/month cheaper — a 12% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,614/year. With a median household income of $60,232, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Pettis County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Scott County where rent averages $809/month, Pettis County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pettis County
Rent Burden
17.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,405
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Pettis County
Median home value is $161,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,289 vs. your max of $1,405.
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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