Cost of Living in St. Clair County, Missouri

$607/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$142,500

Median Home Value

21% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$607/mo

21% below state average

Median Home Value

$142,500

49% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

27.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How St. Clair County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

St. Clair County$607/mo

Missouri Average$768/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$607/mo

Median Gross Rent

$142,500

Median Home Value

$637/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

27.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in St. Clair County, Missouri

St. Clair meets state affordability baseline

St. Clair County renters face a 15.6% rent-to-income ratio that matches Missouri's state average exactly, though household incomes ($46,731) trail the national median by 38%. At $607/month, rents remain modest, but the lower income base makes housing a tighter squeeze for many residents.

Middle-ground affordability statewide

St. Clair ranks near the median for Missouri counties, with a 15.6% rent-to-income ratio that equals the state average and rents just $161 above the state median. This positions it as neither exceptional nor strained compared to its peers.

Affordable by regional comparison

St. Clair's $607 rent trails St. Francois County ($786) and Stoddard County ($737), matching Shelby County's affordability while incomes fall short. Home values of $142,500 sit in the middle of the peer group, offering moderate entry points for buyers.

Tight housing budgets in St. Clair

A St. Clair household earning $46,731 annually ($3,894/month) dedicates $607 to rent or $637 to mortgage, consuming 15-16% of gross income. This leaves roughly $3,250 monthly for all other expenses, requiring careful budgeting in households with additional dependents.

Budget-conscious rural Missouri option

St. Clair County suits households prioritizing low housing costs over urban amenities, offering below-average rents and manageable home prices. If you currently spend more than 20% on housing, St. Clair could reduce that burden by $100+ monthly while maintaining community stability.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Clair County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

15.6%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,090

per month

Owner Cost Burden

16.4%

of gross income

The median home in St. Clair County may be a stretch

Median home value is $142,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,138 vs. your max of $1,090.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio15.6%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in St. Clair County, Missouri?

St. Clair County, Missouri has a median monthly rent of $607/mo and a median home value of $142,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 27.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in St. Clair County?

The median gross rent in St. Clair County is $607/mo. This is 21% below state average for Missouri.

Is St. Clair County affordable?

St. Clair County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 27.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does St. Clair County's rent compare to the state average?

St. Clair County's median rent of $607/mo is 21% below state average of $768/mo for Missouri.

What is the median home value in St. Clair County?

The median home value in St. Clair County, Missouri is $142,500. This is 49% below the national median home value of $281,900.