Cost of Living in Lucas County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lucas County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lucas County ranks #3,126 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lucas County, Ohio
Lucas County: Strained Affordability
Lucas County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most strained, matching Lawrence County's burden despite higher absolute rent at $911. With a median household income of $60,095—nearly 20% below the U.S. median—housing costs consume a significantly larger share here than typical American households.
Second-Most Strained in Ohio
Lucas County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Ohio's tightest, well above the 15.6% state average, driven by the region's lower incomes rather than elevated rents. At $911, rent runs $38 above the state median, but the income gap exacerbates affordability pressure.
Lower Income, Higher Rent Burden
Lucas County pairs a $60,095 median income—higher than only Lawrence and Jefferson—with $911 rent that outpaces most regional neighbors, resulting in the second-steepest rent-to-income ratio in this cohort. This combination leaves residents with less financial flexibility than similar counties.
18.2% of Income to Housing
At $911 monthly, rent consumes 18.2% of the $60,095 median income, while homeowners spend $1,002, roughly 19.9% of household earnings. Lucas County residents allocate nearly one-fifth of gross income to housing, constraining spending on other necessities.
Lucas Demands Careful Planning
Lucas County is best suited for remote workers, retirees, or professionals with above-local-average incomes who can offset regional earning constraints. Local job-seekers should thoroughly evaluate employment prospects and wages before relocating, as median incomes here rank among the region's lowest.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lucas County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Lucas County is affordable. The median rent is $911/month against a median household income of $60,095, putting rent at 18.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Lucas County is $911/month, while owner costs run $1,002/month. Renting saves approximately $91/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,943/year. With a median household income of $60,095, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Lucas County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Ohio, Lucas County is more affordable than Ross County by roughly 6% ($911/mo vs $858/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lucas County
Rent Burden
18.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,402
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lucas County
Median home value is $155,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,239 vs. your max of $1,402.
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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