Cost of Living in Vernon County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Vernon County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Vernon County ranks #2,379 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Vernon County, Missouri
Vernon County hovers near national averages
Vernon County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio sits marginally above the national baseline, while its $722 median rent falls below Missouri's $768 state average. At $54,519 in median household income, Vernon's affordability mirrors typical rural Missouri conditions.
Middle ground for Missouri renters
Vernon County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio hovers just above Missouri's 15.6% state average, placing it in the moderate affordability tier—neither among the best nor the worst statewide. The $722 rent offers modest savings compared to state norms.
Moderate rents between peers
Vernon County's $722 rent sits comfortably between Texas County's bargain $647 and Stone County's pricier $892, offering a middle-ground option for renters. It undercuts the regional average while remaining accessible to the county's $54,519 median income.
Balanced housing costs across tenures
Renters in Vernon County pay $722 monthly while homeowners carry $698 costs—nearly equal burdens reflecting balanced affordability. With $54,519 median household income, housing consumes 15.9% for renters and 15.4% for homeowners, both within reasonable limits.
Vernon County splits the difference
Vernon County offers solid middle-ground affordability with $722 rents and $136,700 home values, neither the cheapest nor most expensive in the region. If you're relocating and want average conditions without extremes, Vernon delivers balanced housing costs and economic opportunity.
Cost of Living Advisory: Vernon County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Vernon County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $722/month in gross rent, with 23.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Vernon County pay $722/month on average, compared to $698/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,914/year. With a median household income of $54,519, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Vernon County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Missouri, Vernon County is more affordable than Gasconade County by roughly 8% ($722/mo vs $671/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Vernon County
Rent Burden
15.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,272
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Vernon County
Median home value is $136,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,091 vs. your max of $1,272.
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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