Cost of Living in Saline County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Saline County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Saline County ranks #2,301 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Saline County, Missouri
Saline County hits Missouri's affordability midpoint
Saline County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio matches Missouri's state average exactly, placing it squarely in the middle of the national housing affordability spectrum. With median rent at $733 and household income at $56,566, the county offers balanced, if not exceptional, affordability.
Saline County mirrors Missouri's typical burden
At 15.6%, Saline County's rent-to-income ratio perfectly tracks the Missouri state average, meaning housing affordability here is neither a standout strength nor a particular challenge. The county represents Missouri's housing market middle ground.
Saline County holds steady in the region
Saline County's $733 rent is nearly identical to the state median of $768, and its median income of $56,566 places it midrange among surrounding counties. Housing costs and income align more evenly here than in either wealthier or poorer neighboring areas.
Housing takes standard 15.6% of income
Saline County renters allocate 15.6% of their $56,566 income to rent—roughly $8,700 annually—a proportion consistent with state norms. Home buyers encounter median ownership costs of $799 monthly with median home values of $139,600, supporting balanced owner-occupant opportunities.
Saline County offers middle-ground stability
Saline County appeals to those seeking Missouri living without affordability extremes: $733 rent, $56,566 median income, and a 15.6% rent-to-income ratio that matches state averages. If you want neither the bargains of rural counties nor the premiums of booming metros, Saline County delivers predictable, conventional housing economics.
Cost of Living Advisory: Saline County
Affordability Verdict
Saline County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $733/month representing approximately 15.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 30.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $733/month rent versus $799/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $66/month cheaper — a 8% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,243/year. With a median household income of $56,566, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Saline County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Missouri, Saline County is less affordable than Carroll County by roughly 7% ($733/mo vs $785/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Saline County
Rent Burden
15.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,320
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Saline County
Median home value is $139,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,114 vs. your max of $1,320.
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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