Cost of Living in Pulaski County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pulaski County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pulaski County ranks #1,623 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 48%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pulaski County, Missouri
Pulaski's housing pinch is real
Pulaski County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most strained housing markets, well above the national comfort zone and Missouri's 15.6% average. Median household income of $66,435 falls short of national norms, while median rent of $1,072/month soars above state averages.
Missouri's least affordable county here
Pulaski County records the worst rent-to-income ratio among these eight counties at 19.4%, signaling the deepest housing affordability crisis in the region. This places Pulaski squarely in Missouri's least affordable tier, driven by a collision of rising rents and modest incomes.
Pulaski commands the highest rents
Pulaski's $1,072 median rent tops every neighbor in this analysis—$270 above Pike's cheapest and $75 above Phelps. Home values near $189,700 stay moderate, suggesting the rental market, not ownership, drives Pulaski's affordability stress.
Renters hurt most; owners get relief
Renters carry the heaviest load at 19.4% of income ($1,072/month), while homeowners ease to 16.6% ($922/month), revealing a two-tier market. The gap suggests strategic homebuyers find real savings, but renters face genuine hardship.
Pulaski demands serious income gains
Pulaski County suits only those with jobs or income that offset its high rents—think Fort Leonard Wood employment or military ties. If you're relocating for a lateral move in pay, Pike or Putnam offer far easier affordability; prioritize Pulaski only if your paycheck justifies it.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pulaski County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Pulaski County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,072/month in gross rent, with 23.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Pulaski County is $1,072/month, while owner costs run $922/month. Owning saves approximately $150/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $42,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $39,514/year. With a median household income of $66,435, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Pulaski County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Pulaski County sits 7% less expensive than Cass County ($1,147/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pulaski County
Rent Burden
19.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,550
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Pulaski County
Median home value is $189,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,514 vs. your max of $1,550.
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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