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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Polk County ranks #2,159 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 31%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Polk County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Polk County is affordable. The median rent is $792/month against a median household income of $56,686, putting rent at 16.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Polk County is $792/month, while owner costs run $805/month. Renting saves approximately $13/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,500/year. With a median household income of $56,686, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Polk County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Polk County sits 7% more expensive than Henry County ($740/month) in terms of median gross rent.
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
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 Polk County, Missouri?
What is the median rent in Polk County?
Is Polk County affordable?
How does Polk County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Polk County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Polk County, Missouri? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Polk 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.