Cost of Living in Stone County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Stone County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Stone County ranks #1,381 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Stone County, Missouri
Stone County rents climb above national norms
At 17.5%, Stone County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average, meaning renters here dedicate more of their paycheck to housing than typical Americans. The median household income of $61,323 sits well below the national median of $74,755, creating affordability pressure even as rents remain moderate at $892 per month.
Among the least affordable in Missouri
Stone County ranks among the bottom third of Missouri counties for housing affordability, with a 17.5% rent-to-income ratio well above the state average of 15.6%. This positions renters here in a tighter squeeze than most neighbors across the state.
Higher rents than nearby Taney County
Stone County's median rent of $892 exceeds Taney County's $925, though both counties strain affordability for residents earning under $60,000. Compared to Sullivan County's more modest $692 rent, Stone County renters face steeper monthly costs despite similar income levels.
Nearly $900 in rent, $754 in mortgages
Renters in Stone County pay a median of $892 monthly, while homeowners carry $754 in mortgage costs—a reversal of typical patterns. With median household income at $61,323, housing consumes about 17.5% of gross income for renters and roughly 14.7% for owners.
Consider your housing type carefully here
If you're relocating to Stone County, weigh the trade-off: rents run higher than nearby Sullivan County ($692), but home values remain accessible at $236,500. This county rewards homebuyers more than renters seeking affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Stone County
Affordability Verdict
Stone County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $892/month — about 17.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Stone County pay $892/month on average, compared to $754/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 15%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,314/year. With a median household income of $61,323, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Stone County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Missouri, Stone County is less affordable than Andrew County by roughly 6% ($892/mo vs $944/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Stone County
Rent Burden
17.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,431
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.8%
of gross income
The median home in Stone County may be a stretch
Median home value is $236,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,888 vs. your max of $1,431.
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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