Cost of Living in Richland County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Richland County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Richland County ranks #2,708 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 14%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Richland County, Ohio
Richland's affordability masked by low income
Richland County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds the national average, driven by a median household income of $57,649—23% below the national median. While rents are modest, the county's income constraints limit true affordability.
Moderate affordability, weak income
Richland's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio sits above Ohio's 15.6% state average, revealing a county where housing costs consume a larger income share than typical for the state. The $791 median rent ranks among the lowest, but it's not low enough to offset modest wage levels.
Cheapest rents, but lowest incomes too
Richland's $791 rent matches Sandusky as the cheapest in this group, but its $57,649 median income ranks second-lowest after Pike. The county offers bargain housing but limited earning potential compared to peers like Putnam ($82,785) or Pickaway ($72,927).
Tight margins despite low costs
Richland renters pay $791 monthly on a median $57,649 annual income, dedicating 16.5% to rent and leaving limited cushion for emergencies. Homebuyers commit $837 monthly, or 17.4% of income, approaching the federal cost-burden threshold.
Right for cost minimizers only
Richland appeals to relocators prioritizing absolute rent savings, but the county's income levels suggest limited career advancement opportunities. Compare Richland's job market against higher-wage counties like Putnam or Pickaway to ensure the savings are worth the wage trade-off.
Cost of Living Advisory: Richland County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Richland County is affordable. The median rent is $791/month against a median household income of $57,649, putting rent at 16.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Richland County is $791/month, while owner costs run $837/month. Renting saves approximately $46/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,871/year. With a median household income of $57,649, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Richland County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Richland County sits 7% more expensive than Columbiana County ($736/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Richland County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,345
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Richland County
Median home value is $154,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,229 vs. your max of $1,345.
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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