Cost of Living in Highland County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Highland County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Highland County ranks #1,257 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Highland County, Ohio
Highland's balanced national position
Highland County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, though median household income of $62,008 trails the national figure by 17%. Modest rents relative to regional and national standards create an affordable rental market despite below-average incomes.
Solidly affordable across Ohio
At 14.7%, Highland County's rent-to-income ratio ranks better than the Ohio state average of 15.6%, positioning it among more affordable counties statewide. This advantage benefits both renters and prospective homebuyers seeking value.
Highland maintains regional balance
Highland's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% compares favorably to neighboring counties like Hocking (15.8%) and Jackson (15.9%), though Henry County (13.1%) remains the clear leader. At $757 monthly rent, Highland undercuts most peers while maintaining balanced housing costs.
Highland's housing cost distribution
On a $62,008 median household income, renters pay $757 monthly (14.7% of income), while homeowners pay $903 (17.5% of income). Homeownership costs rise above ideal thresholds, but median home values of $157,000 offer reasonable equity-building potential.
Highland appeals to strategic relocators
If renting flexibility matters more than immediate homeownership, Highland County delivers strong value with below-average rent burdens. The county's median home value of $157,000 and competitive rental market create multiple paths to stable, affordable housing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Highland County
Affordability Verdict
Highland County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $757/month — about 14.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $757/month rent versus $903/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $146/month cheaper — a 16% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,700/year. With a median household income of $62,008, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Highland County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Highland County sits 8% more expensive than Meigs County ($704/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Highland County
Rent Burden
14.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,447
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Highland County
Median home value is $157,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,253 vs. your max of $1,447.
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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