Cost of Living in Montgomery County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Montgomery County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Montgomery County ranks #3,073 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 2%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Montgomery County, Ohio
Montgomery: Above the National Affordability Line
Renters in Montgomery County spend 18.0% of their income on rent, slightly above the national benchmark of 15% but reflecting the county's median household income of $64,403—about 14% below the national average of $74,755. While housing costs are higher here than in many rural Ohio counties, they remain more accessible than in coastal metros where rent-to-income ratios often exceed 25%.
Montgomery Ranks Mid-Pack in Ohio
At 18.0%, Montgomery's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Ohio's state average of 15.6%, placing it in the less affordable half of the state's counties. The median rent of $968 per month also runs $95 above the state median, a difference driven by Montgomery's size and economic activity as a mid-sized urban county.
Pricier Than Rural Neighbors
Montgomery's $968 median rent substantially outpaces nearby rural counties like Morrow ($942) and Muskingum ($811), though homeownership costs are comparable—Montgomery's median owner cost of $1,064 sits between Morrow's $1,097 and Muskingum's $888. The trade-off reflects Montgomery's denser job market and urban amenities, drawing higher rental demand.
Housing Absorbs Nearly One-Fifth of Income
For renters, the $968 monthly rent consumes roughly 18% of the median household income, while homeowners allocate about 20% of income toward their $1,064 monthly owner cost. Together, these figures reveal that housing remains the largest single expense for most Montgomery County households, leaving limited discretionary income for other necessities.
Consider Montgomery for Urban Amenities
If you're relocating to Ohio, Montgomery offers more jobs and services than rural counties but at a measurable affordability cost. Renters prioritizing walkability and employment options should compare Montgomery's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio against more rural options like Paulding (13.2%) or Perry (13.5%), where housing is cheaper but opportunities are fewer.
Cost of Living Advisory: Montgomery County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Montgomery County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $968/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $968/month rent versus $1,064/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $96/month cheaper — a 9% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $45,600/year. With a median household income of $64,403, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Montgomery County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Ohio, Montgomery County is more affordable than Lorain County by roughly 6% ($968/mo vs $916/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Montgomery County
Rent Burden
18.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,503
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Montgomery County
Median home value is $167,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,336 vs. your max of $1,503.
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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