Cost of Living in Phelps County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Phelps County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Phelps County, Missouri
Phelps rents eat more than most
Renters in Phelps County spend 17.3% of income on rent, above the national sweet spot of roughly 15%. With a median household income of $55,427—nearly $20,000 below the U.S. average of $74,755—housing costs take a larger bite of paychecks here than they do nationally.
Slightly tighter than Missouri average
Phelps County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Missouri's state average of 15.6%, putting it in the less affordable half of the state. However, the median rent of $801 is only $33 higher than the state median, suggesting the affordability gap is driven more by lower incomes than soaring rents.
Pricier than Pike, tighter than Pulaski
Phelps rents ($801/month) run higher than nearby Pike County ($742) but significantly lower than Pulaski County ($1,072). Renters here face moderate pressure—better than Pulaski's pinch but worse than Pike's bargain.
Renters feel it; homeowners manage
The median rent of $801/month consumes 17.3% of the median household income, while the median mortgage cost of $796 takes roughly 17.2% for homeowners. Both paths lean toward affordability stress, yet homeownership costs remain comparable to rental, offering little advantage to buyers.
Consider Phelps if stability matters most
Phelps offers stable, modestly priced housing with median home values around $194,900, making it an option for buyers seeking solid footing without big-city prices. Compare closely with Pike County if you prioritize rock-bottom rents, or consider Pulaski if job opportunities justify higher costs.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Phelps County
Rent Burden
17.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,293
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.2%
of gross income
The median home in Phelps County may be a stretch
Median home value is $194,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,556 vs. your max of $1,293.
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.