Cost of Living in St. Lawrence County, New York
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How St. Lawrence County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
St. Lawrence County ranks #1,474 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 47%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in St. Lawrence County, New York
St. Lawrence beats national affordability
With a rent-to-income ratio of just 15.5%, St. Lawrence County renters allocate less income to housing than nearly anywhere in America—a significant advantage given the national context. At $799 per month for median rent and $61,900 median household income, this North Country county offers exceptionally accessible housing despite below-average income.
New York's most affordable rental county
St. Lawrence County ranks among New York's most affordable counties by rent-to-income ratio at 15.5%, significantly outperforming the statewide 17.6% average. The $799 median rent is $334 cheaper than New York's typical $1,133, making it a standout value in an expensive state.
Cheapest rents in the regional cluster
St. Lawrence County's $799 rent is the lowest among its upstate peer group, beating Seneca ($925), Steuben ($878), and Tioga ($914). This affordability advantage persists despite comparable median incomes, making St. Lawrence the value leader for renters in the region.
Minimal housing burden in St. Lawrence
Renters pay $799 monthly while homeowners spend $868, both among New York's lowest figures for either housing type. The typical household earning $61,900 dedicates just 15.5% of income to rent—well below the state average—freeing resources for savings and other needs.
Unbeatable affordability in North Country
St. Lawrence County offers the strongest rent-to-income advantage in our upstate comparison: renters spend 2.1 percentage points less of their income on housing than the state average. If affordability is your primary concern, this county's sub-$800 median rent and $120,000 median home value justify serious consideration.
Cost of Living Advisory: St. Lawrence County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in St. Lawrence County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $799/month in gross rent, with 30.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in St. Lawrence County is $799/month, while owner costs run $868/month. Renting saves approximately $69/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,200/year. With a median household income of $61,900, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in St. Lawrence County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Schuyler County where rent averages $858/month, St. Lawrence County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Lawrence County
Rent Burden
15.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,444
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in St. Lawrence County
Median home value is $119,800. Estimated monthly cost: $956 vs. your max of $1,444.
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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