Cost of Living in Champaign County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Champaign County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Champaign County ranks #1,683 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Champaign County, Ohio
Champaign County offers national affordability advantage
Champaign County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the strongest nationally, beating the U.S. affordability threshold of 15% by a comfortable margin. With a median household income nearly identical to the national average at $74,239, Champaign delivers housing relief that most American counties cannot match.
One of Ohio's most livable housing markets
Champaign's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio edges out Ohio's state average of 15.6%, positioning it as a genuinely affordable option within a competitive state housing market. At $884 monthly, median rent sits just 1% above Ohio's state average despite the county's strong income-to-cost balance.
Balanced affordability among peer counties
Champaign County's $884 median rent and 14.3% ratio place it squarely in the middle of regional comparables like Clinton County ($893 rent, 15.7% ratio) and Carroll County ($780 rent, 14.5% ratio). The county offers a sweet spot for families seeking moderate housing costs without sacrificing community resources.
14.3% of income covers housing costs
Typical Champaign County renters spend $884 monthly on a median household income of $74,239, keeping housing within the comfortable affordability zone. Homeowners carry mortgage costs around $953, while median home values of $186,300 remain accessible for middle-income buyers.
Champaign offers balanced relocation economics
If you earn near the $74,239 county median, Champaign's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio provides genuine breathing room compared to national averages. Test your own income against Champaign's costs: at $884 rent, you'd need roughly $74,000 annually to stay within the affordable 15% threshold.
Cost of Living Advisory: Champaign County
Affordability Verdict
Champaign County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $884/month — about 14.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $884/month rent versus $953/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $69/month cheaper — a 7% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,843/year. With a median household income of $74,239, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Champaign County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Champaign County sits 6% more expensive than Pike County ($833/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Champaign County
Rent Burden
14.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,732
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Champaign County
Median home value is $186,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,487 vs. your max of $1,732.
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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