Cost of Living in Paulding County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Paulding County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Paulding County ranks #856 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Paulding County, Ohio
Paulding: Ohio's Most Affordable Rental Market
Paulding County renters spend just 13.2% of their income on rent—the lowest ratio among all eight counties and well below the national 15% standard—while earning $68,167 annually. This exceptional affordability reflects Paulding's rural character combined with decent local employment, creating an unusual combination of low costs and moderate income stability.
Paulding Dominates Ohio's Affordability Rankings
At 13.2%, Paulding's rent-to-income ratio crushes Ohio's 15.6% average and ranks among the most affordable in the entire state. The median rent of $750 is the lowest in this eight-county sample, and Paulding's solid $68,167 median income means residents capture maximum affordability while retaining earning capacity.
Unmatched Affordability Among Rural Peers
Paulding's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio and $750 median rent substantially outperform all comparable rural counties: Noble (15.8%, $730), Morgan (15.3%, $713), and Perry (13.5%, $727). Even among better-income counties, only Ottawa (14.4%) approaches Paulding's affordability efficiency, and Ottawa costs more in absolute rent dollars.
Minimal Income Goes to Housing
The $750 monthly rent consumes just 13.2% of Paulding's $68,167 median income, while homeowners dedicate only 13.8% to their $781 monthly cost—both exceptionally efficient ratios. Paulding households retain 86% or more of income for all other expenses, emergency savings, and discretionary spending—a luxury in today's housing market.
Paulding: Unbeatable Housing Value in Ohio
For maximum housing affordability in Ohio, Paulding County is unmatched: 13.2% rent-to-income ratio, $750 median rent, and solid $68,167 median income create an ideal equation. Consider Paulding if you want to minimize housing costs while maintaining reasonable local employment options—it's the rare county where affordability doesn't require sacrificing opportunity.
Cost of Living Advisory: Paulding County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Paulding County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $750/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $750/month rent versus $781/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $31/month cheaper — a 4% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,471/year. With a median household income of $68,167, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Paulding County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Guernsey County where rent averages $803/month, Paulding County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Paulding County
Rent Burden
13.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,591
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Paulding County
Median home value is $126,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,012 vs. your max of $1,591.
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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