Cost of Living in Polk County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Polk County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Polk County, Missouri
Polk rents pinch slightly harder
Polk County residents spend 16.8% of income on rent, exceeding Missouri's 15.6% state average and pushing toward national affordability stress. With median household income of $56,686—well below the national $74,755—the combination creates moderate housing pressure.
Above-average strain for Missouri
Polk County ranks in the less affordable tier of Missouri counties, with a 16.8% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by 1.2 percentage points. This gap, though modest, signals that local incomes lag housing costs more than typical statewide.
Middle ground between bargains and pricey
Polk's $792 median rent sits slightly higher than Pike ($742) and Phelps ($801), while home values of $189,600 align closely with Phelps ($194,900). Polk occupies the middle of regional pricing, making it neither bargain nor burden.
Renters and owners share the strain
Renters pay $792/month (16.8% of income) and homeowners $805/month (17.0% of income), mirroring each other and suggesting comparable affordability stress across housing types. Both pathways consume roughly a sixth of household income, putting Polk in the tightness zone.
Polk offers stability at fair prices
Polk County suits relocators seeking reasonable housing costs and moderate community size without extreme affordability challenges. Compare it with Pike County if you want to shave costs further, or Platte if you're targeting a stronger job market.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Polk County
Rent Burden
16.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,323
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.0%
of gross income
The median home in Polk County may be a stretch
Median home value is $189,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,514 vs. your max of $1,323.
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.