Cost of Living in St. Francois County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How St. Francois County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
St. Francois County ranks #2,744 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in St. Francois County, Missouri
St. Francois housing costs stretch incomes
St. Francois County renters devote 17.2% of income to housing—above both the national benchmark and Missouri's 15.6% average—despite a median income of $54,813. At $786/month, rents are 2% above Missouri's state median, creating affordability pressure for working families.
Among Missouri's least affordable counties
St. Francois ranks in the lower tier of Missouri counties for affordability, with a 17.2% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by 1.6 percentage points. This gap, though modest in percentage terms, means $100+ more monthly housing cost for the typical household.
Highest costs in the peer group
St. Francois rents ($786/month) exceed Shelby, St. Clair, and Stoddard counties by $150+ and match Missouri's median, yet household incomes lag regional averages. Home values ($155,100) place it in the middle, making both rental and purchase costs relatively burdensome.
Housing consumes significant income share
A St. Francois household earning $54,813 annually ($4,568/month) allocates $786 to rent or $824 to mortgage, consuming 17-18% of gross income. This leaves approximately $3,750 monthly for all other expenses, tighter than most peer counties.
Consider affordability before relocating
St. Francois County's housing costs run higher than neighboring rural counties while incomes remain modest, making it less ideal for cost-conscious relocators. If you're moving from a high-cost urban area, this county may offer savings, but compare it carefully to nearby Shelby or St. Clair first.
Cost of Living Advisory: St. Francois County
Affordability Verdict
St. Francois County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $786/month — about 17.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in St. Francois County is $786/month, while owner costs run $824/month. Renting saves approximately $38/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,314/year. With a median household income of $54,813, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in St. Francois County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Missouri, St. Francois County is more affordable than Oregon County by roughly 7% ($786/mo vs $735/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Francois County
Rent Burden
17.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,279
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in St. Francois County
Median home value is $155,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,238 vs. your max of $1,279.
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
What is the cost of living in St. Francois County, Missouri?
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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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