Cost of Living in Lawrence County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lawrence County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lawrence County ranks #1,271 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lawrence County, Ohio
Lawrence County: Most Strained Affordability
Lawrence County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this cohort and exceeds the national average, driven by a median household income of just $54,842—26% below the U.S. median. Housing costs here consume a notably larger share of household earnings than most American counties.
Challenging Affordability Statewide
Lawrence County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Ohio's most strained, well above the 15.6% state average, despite rent of $830 running below the state median of $873. Low incomes—not high rents—drive the affordability challenge here.
Lowest Income, Tightest Squeeze
Lawrence County's $54,842 median income ranks lowest in this region, significantly undercutting even Jefferson ($56,983) and Lucas ($60,095), though its $830 rent remains reasonable in absolute terms. The income-to-cost mismatch creates the region's most acute affordability burden.
18.2% of Income Lost to Rent
At $830 monthly, rent consumes 18.2% of the $54,842 median income—the steepest share in this cohort—while homeowners spend $748, roughly 16.3% of earnings. For Lawrence County households, housing leaves less margin for saving, healthcare, or education.
Lawrence Demands Income Flexibility
Lawrence County appeals primarily to remote workers or retirees with income sources independent of local job markets, offering the region's lowest housing costs. Traditional job-seekers should carefully assess local employment opportunities, as median incomes here reflect limited local earning potential.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lawrence County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Lawrence County is affordable. The median rent is $830/month against a median household income of $54,842, putting rent at 18.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $830/month rent versus $748/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $82/month cheaper — a 10% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,057/year. With a median household income of $54,842, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Lawrence County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Lawrence County sits 6% less expensive than Erie County ($882/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lawrence County
Rent Burden
18.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,280
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lawrence County
Median home value is $135,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,083 vs. your max of $1,280.
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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