Cost of Living in Licking County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Licking County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Licking County ranks #2,702 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 14%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Licking County, Ohio
Licking County: Strong Income, Strong Homes
Licking County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio bests the national average, paired with a $81,033 median household income that outpaces the U.S. median by 8%. This county delivers one of the region's best affordability profiles, with incomes strong enough to support housing costs comfortably.
Ohio's Most Affordable County
Licking County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks below Ohio's 15.6% state average, the lowest in this cohort, reflecting robust median incomes that dwarf statewide norms. At $250,700, median home values also signal strong property appreciation potential statewide.
Highest Income, Best Affordability
Licking County's $81,033 median income outearns all neighbors, including Knox ($73,988) and Lake ($77,952), while its 14.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks best despite $999 rent running above several counties. This income-to-cost superiority positions Licking as the region's affordability leader.
14.8% of Income Covers Rent
Renters spend $999 monthly on gross rent—just 14.8% of the $81,033 median income—while homeowners carry $1,264, roughly 18.7% of household earnings. Licking County's elevated incomes provide substantial cushion for homeownership costs and other living expenses.
Licking County: Premium Choice
Licking County is ideal for dual-income families or professionals seeking strong earning potential paired with responsible housing costs and excellent home values. If you want the region's best affordability profile without sacrificing higher-value housing stock, Licking County delivers.
Cost of Living Advisory: Licking County
Affordability Verdict
Licking County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $999/month — about 14.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $999/month rent versus $1,264/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $265/month cheaper — a 21% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $54,171/year. With a median household income of $81,033, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Licking County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Madison County where rent averages $944/month, Licking County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Licking County
Rent Burden
14.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,891
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.7%
of gross income
The median home in Licking County may be a stretch
Median home value is $250,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,001 vs. your max of $1,891.
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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