Cost of Living in Fayette County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Fayette County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Fayette County ranks #2,514 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 20%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Fayette County, Ohio
Fayette's affordability challenged by lower incomes
Fayette County's median household income of $60,047 trails the national average by 20%, yet renters spend 16.1% of income on rent—above Ohio's state average. At $807 monthly, Fayette's rents are reasonable in absolute terms, but lower incomes create relative affordability pressure.
Mid-range affordability with income constraints
Fayette County's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio sits above Ohio's state average of 15.6%, placing it in the less-affordable tier despite moderate monthly rents of $807. The county's below-average household incomes ($60,047 vs. state norms) are the primary affordability constraint.
Competitive rents paired with lower earnings
Fayette's $807 monthly rent sits between Darke County ($747) and Defiance County ($826), but the county's lower incomes ($60,047) make this mid-range rent more burdensome. Home values of $162,200 position Fayette squarely in the affordable-county tier.
Housing costs strain modest Fayette incomes
A typical Fayette County renter earning $60,047 annually pays $807 monthly in rent, consuming 16.1% of gross income, while homeowners spend $942 on $162,200 median-valued homes. These ratios leave less household budget flexibility than higher-income counties, despite reasonable absolute housing costs.
Fayette suits cost-conscious lower-income relocators
If you're relocating with below-average household income, Fayette County's modest rents and home prices offer genuine affordability—though less margin for emergencies than wealthier counties. Compare Fayette's numbers carefully to other lower-income Ohio counties before choosing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Fayette County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Fayette County is affordable. The median rent is $807/month against a median household income of $60,047, putting rent at 16.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Fayette County pay $807/month on average, compared to $942/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 14%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,371/year. With a median household income of $60,047, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Fayette County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Ross County where rent averages $858/month, Fayette County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Fayette County
Rent Burden
16.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,401
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Fayette County
Median home value is $162,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,295 vs. your max of $1,401.
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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