Cost of Living in Scott County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Scott County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Scott County ranks #1,186 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Scott County, Missouri
Scott County rents test household finances
Scott County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% exceeds both national and Missouri state averages, with renters dedicating a larger-than-typical share of income to housing costs. At $809 monthly rent against a median household income of $58,847, affordability here is moderately constrained.
Scott County exceeds Missouri's affordability average
Scott County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio surpasses Missouri's 15.6% state average, ranking it in the state's less affordable tier. The county's median income of $58,847 and $809 rent create above-average housing pressures.
Scott County rents run higher than state median
Scott County's $809 rent exceeds the state median of $768, and while the county's $58,847 median income is respectable, it's below several neighboring counties' earning levels. The 16.5% rent-to-income ratio reflects this imbalance.
Housing takes 16.5% of household income
Scott County renters devote 16.5% of their $58,847 annual income to rent—approximately $9,700 yearly—moderately straining household budgets. Home buyers face ownership costs of $823 monthly with median values of $143,700, requiring similar budget discipline.
Scott County requires careful housing budgeting
Scott County suits relocators with flexible budgets or higher incomes than its $58,847 median, as the 16.5% rent-to-income ratio leaves less margin for error. However, the $143,700 median home value and home-buying path may offer better long-term economics than renting.
Cost of Living Advisory: Scott County
Affordability Verdict
Scott County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $809/month — about 16.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Scott County is $809/month, while owner costs run $823/month. Renting saves approximately $14/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,271/year. With a median household income of $58,847, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Scott County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Missouri, Scott County is less affordable than Pettis County by roughly 6% ($809/mo vs $863/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Scott County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,373
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Scott County
Median home value is $143,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,147 vs. your max of $1,373.
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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