Cost of Living in Clark County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Clark County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Clark County ranks #2,994 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 5%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clark County, Ohio
Clark County's affordability crunch exceeds national norms
Clark County residents face a 16.6% rent-to-income ratio—the highest among these eight counties and notably above the national 15% affordability benchmark. With a median household income of just $60,846, well below the national average, Clark's housing pressure is both real and widespread across the county.
Strains Ohio's average affordability slightly
Clark's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Ohio's 15.6% state average, indicating tighter housing affordability than most peers within the state. The county's median rent of $840—just 3% below Ohio's average—compounds the pressure on lower-earning households.
Higher burden than most regional counties
Clark County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly outpaces affordable neighbors like Carroll County (14.5%) and Champaign County (14.3%), though it's comparable to Butler County (16.2%). For cost-conscious relocators, adjacent counties like Carroll offer notably better affordability within a similar regional context.
Housing costs strain Clark County budgets
Renters in Clark County spend roughly $840 monthly on a median income of just $60,846, consuming 16.6% of household earnings—an above-comfortable threshold. Homeowners face similar pressure with $908 monthly mortgage costs, while the median home value of $155,900 remains realistic but leaves limited financial cushion.
Compare carefully before choosing Clark
If you're relocating to this region, Clark County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio signals tighter affordability than neighbors—test whether your income comfortably exceeds the county's $60,846 median. Explore nearby alternatives like Carroll County (14.5%) or Champaign County (14.3%) to see if a short move could meaningfully improve your housing budget.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clark County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Clark County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $840/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Clark County is $840/month, while owner costs run $908/month. Renting saves approximately $68/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,914/year. With a median household income of $60,846, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Clark County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Clinton County where rent averages $893/month, Clark County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clark County
Rent Burden
16.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,420
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Clark County
Median home value is $155,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,245 vs. your max of $1,420.
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
What is the cost of living in Clark County, Ohio?
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Is Clark County affordable?
How does Clark County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Clark County?
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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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