Cost of Living in Ralls County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ralls County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ralls County ranks #450 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 14%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ralls County, Missouri
Ralls balances income and rent well
Ralls County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Missouri's 15.6% average and approaches the national affordability sweet spot. At $765/month, median rent runs just shy of the state average, while a median household income of $62,054 provides solid purchasing power.
Ralls ranks among Missouri's best
Ralls County claims one of Missouri's most affordable rent-to-income ratios at 14.8%, putting it in the state's better-off tier for housing affordability. This balance reflects both modest rents and reasonable local incomes.
Ralls sits in the sweet middle
Ralls' $765 median rent nearly matches Pike ($742) while staying well below Phelps ($801) and Pulaski ($1,072), offering genuine affordability without the rock-bottom isolation of rural Putnam. Median home values of $153,400 fall in the middle range, balancing price and market activity.
Both renting and owning feel fair
Renters spend $765/month (14.8% of income) and homeowners $667/month (12.9% of income), with owner costs notably lower and both figures suggesting comfortable affordability. The $98 monthly advantage of homeownership makes purchasing strategically appealing.
Ralls offers affordable small-town living
Ralls County suits those seeking affordability without the isolation of ultra-rural counties, offering reasonable rents and solid homeownership value. Compare Ralls with Pike for similar prices but slightly better income levels, or with Putnam if you want the absolute lowest costs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ralls County
Affordability Verdict
Ralls County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $765/month representing approximately 14.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 21.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Ralls County pay $765/month on average, compared to $667/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 13%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,586/year. With a median household income of $62,054, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Ralls County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Ralls County sits 6% less expensive than Madison County ($817/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ralls County
Rent Burden
14.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,448
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Ralls County
Median home value is $153,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,225 vs. your max of $1,448.
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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