Cost of Living in Worth County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Worth County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Worth County ranks #660 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 21%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Worth County, Missouri
Worth County: Missouri's housing bargain
Worth County's rent-to-income ratio of 9.2% is exceptional—nearly 6 percentage points below the national standard—making it one of the most affordable places to rent in America. At just $353 monthly, median rent is less than half the state average of $768, though the median income of $46,167 is notably lower than the national $74,755.
Top affordable county in Missouri
Worth County dominates Missouri's affordability rankings with a 9.2% rent-to-income ratio—more than 6 percentage points better than the state average of 15.6%. This makes Worth the clear winner for renters prioritizing housing cost relief.
Worth leads region in cheap housing
Worth County's $353 median rent is dramatically lower than Webster County's $777 and Wright County's $558, offering unmatched affordability in the region. The tradeoff: Worth's median income of $46,167 lags both neighbors, making the low housing costs essential to household survival rather than a luxury.
Worth's lean housing budget
Renters allocate just $353 monthly to housing while homeowners spend $522, leaving meaningful portions of the $46,167 median income for food, utilities, and other needs. At 9.2% of income for renters and 13.6% for owners, Worth residents enjoy uncommonly low housing burdens.
Worth County works for budget-conscious movers
If affordability is your priority and you can manage a rural lifestyle with lower wages, Worth County's $353 rent is hard to beat anywhere in the nation. Compare your current housing costs: unless you're currently paying under 9% of income on rent, moving to Worth could deliver substantial savings.
Cost of Living Advisory: Worth County
Affordability Verdict
Worth County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $353/month — about 9.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Worth County is $353/month, while owner costs run $522/month. Renting saves approximately $169/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $14,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $22,371/year. With a median household income of $46,167, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Worth County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Missouri, Worth County is less affordable than Shannon County by roughly 31% ($353/mo vs $509/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Worth County
Rent Burden
9.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,077
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Worth County
Median home value is $94,600. Estimated monthly cost: $755 vs. your max of $1,077.
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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