Cost of Living in Brown County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Brown County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Brown County ranks #740 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Brown County, Ohio
Brown offers strong income advantage
Brown County renters spend just 14.1% of their median household income on gross rent—below Ohio's 15.6% average and well within the 30% national threshold. With a median income of $69,990 and rent of $822, Brown combines above-average earnings with moderate housing costs.
Brown ranks among Ohio's best
At 14.1%, Brown County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Ohio's most affordable counties, outperforming the state average of 15.6%. The county's strong median income of $69,990 provides genuine breathing room for household budgets.
Highest incomes in the region
Brown County's $822 rent is mid-range for southeastern Ohio, but its $69,990 median income significantly exceeds neighbors like Adams ($49,521), Athens ($53,837), and Ashtabula ($55,507). This income advantage transforms affordability despite moderate rents.
Renters enjoy clear advantage
Renters spend $822 monthly (14.1% of income) while owners pay $902, creating a 1.7% gap favoring renters in Brown County. On a $69,990 median income, both groups access housing comfortably, with median home values at $181,100.
Southern Ohio's prosperity pocket
Brown County delivers exceptional affordability through higher incomes rather than cheaper rents: a $69,990 median and 14.1% cost ratio beat most Ohio counties. If you prioritize steady employment alongside housing accessibility, Brown's Cincinnati proximity and economic strength reward relocation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Brown County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Brown County is affordable. The median rent is $822/month against a median household income of $69,990, putting rent at 14.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $822/month rent versus $902/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $80/month cheaper — a 9% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,657/year. With a median household income of $69,990, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Brown County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Brown County sits 7% more expensive than Belmont County ($769/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Brown County
Rent Burden
14.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,633
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Brown County
Median home value is $181,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,446 vs. your max of $1,633.
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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