Cost of Living in Darke County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Darke County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Darke County ranks #417 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Darke County, Ohio
Darke County offers exceptional rental affordability
Renters in Darke County spend just 13.9% of their income on rent—well below both the national average and Ohio's state average of 15.6%. With a median household income of $64,654 and monthly rents of just $747, Darke delivers some of Ohio's best rent-to-income ratios.
Among Ohio's most affordable counties
Darke County ranks in the upper tier of Ohio affordability, with its 13.9% rent-to-income ratio beating the state average by more than a full percentage point. Residents pay $126 less monthly in rent than the state median, making homeownership and renting both accessible options.
Darke undercuts surrounding county costs
At $747 monthly rent, Darke beats nearby Crawford ($761) and Defiance ($826), and its $169,100 median home value is competitive with less affluent regional neighbors. The county consistently delivers the lowest housing costs among its northwest Ohio peers.
Balanced housing affordability for both renters
A typical Darke County renter earning $64,654 annually pays $747 monthly in rent, consuming just 13.9% of gross income, while homeowners spend $816 on $169,100 median-valued properties. This affordable ratio leaves substantial room in household budgets for other essentials and savings.
Darke delivers unbeatable housing value
If low housing costs are your move metric, Darke County ranks among Ohio's smartest choices for both renters and buyers. Compare your current rent or mortgage to Darke's numbers—you're likely to find meaningful monthly savings without sacrificing access to regional jobs or services.
Cost of Living Advisory: Darke County
Affordability Verdict
Darke County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $747/month — about 13.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $747/month rent versus $816/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $69/month cheaper — a 8% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,971/year. With a median household income of $64,654, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Darke County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Gallia County where rent averages $798/month, Darke County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Darke County
Rent Burden
13.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,509
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Darke County
Median home value is $169,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,350 vs. your max of $1,509.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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 Darke County, Ohio?
What is the median rent in Darke County?
Is Darke County affordable?
How does Darke County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Darke County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Darke County, Ohio? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Darke County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.