Cost of Living in Holmes County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Holmes County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Holmes County ranks #933 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 30%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Holmes County, Ohio
Holmes tops Ohio on affordability
At 12.4%, Holmes County's rent-to-income ratio is among the nation's best, allowing renters to keep significantly more income for other needs. The median household income of $74,774 nearly matches the national average, while rents of $773 remain below state and regional norms.
Ohio's most affordable county
Holmes County's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks as the state's best, beating the Ohio average of 15.6% by a substantial 3.2 percentage points. This superior affordability combines strong incomes with reasonable housing costs.
Holmes edges out even Henry County
At 12.4%, Holmes County's rent-to-income ratio ranks just below Henry County's 13.1%, making it the region's most affordable. Both counties significantly outpace peers, though Holmes achieves this with higher home values ($251,800) reflecting a different market dynamic.
Holmes' exceptional housing math
On a $74,774 median household income, renters pay $773 monthly (12.4% of income), while homeowners pay $986 (15.8% of income). Both ratios sit well below the 30% affordability threshold, providing substantial household flexibility even with higher ownership costs.
Holmes County: Ohio's best value play
For anyone relocating to Ohio, Holmes County offers unmatched affordability combined with solid incomes and reasonable rents. The county's $251,800 median home value reflects market strength, but the 12.4% rent-to-income ratio ensures both renters and owners find genuine value.
Cost of Living Advisory: Holmes County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Holmes County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $773/month in gross rent, with 23.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Holmes County is $773/month, while owner costs run $986/month. Renting saves approximately $213/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,257/year. With a median household income of $74,774, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Holmes County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Holmes County sits 6% less expensive than Huron County ($824/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Holmes County
Rent Burden
12.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,745
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.8%
of gross income
The median home in Holmes County may be a stretch
Median home value is $251,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,010 vs. your max of $1,745.
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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