Cost of Living in St. Clair County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How St. Clair County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
St. Clair County ranks #671 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 21%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: St. Clair County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in St. Clair County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $607/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $607/month rent versus $637/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $30/month cheaper — a 5% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $24,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,300/year. With a median household income of $46,731, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in St. Clair County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
St. Clair County sits 8% less expensive than Carter County ($661/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Clair County
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
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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