Cost of Living in Ross County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ross County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ross County ranks #2,692 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 14%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ross County, Ohio
Ross renters face above-average burden
Ross County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average, driven by a median household income of $59,819—20% below the national median. The county's $858 monthly rent is moderate, but tight incomes amplify the affordability squeeze.
Above-state-average cost burden
Ross's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks 1.6 percentage points above Ohio's 15.6% state average, placing it among the state's more stressed rental markets. The $858 median rent slightly exceeds the state average of $873, creating a compound affordability challenge.
Pricier than Pike and Preble
Ross renters pay $858 monthly, exceeding Pike ($833) and Preble ($803) but trailing Pickaway ($965) and Portage ($1,036). Ross residents earn less than most neighbors, magnifying the relative housing cost burden.
Incomes stretched by housing costs
Ross households allocate $858 to rent or $848 to mortgages while earning $59,819 annually, committing 17.2% to rent and 17.0% to ownership costs. These ratios approach or exceed the federal cost-burden threshold, leaving modest room for other needs.
Consider Ross for local roots only
Ross County offers moderate rents but weak incomes, making it best suited for relocators with established local connections or remote work security. If you're job-hunting in Ohio, compare Ross's employment prospects against stronger-income counties like Putnam or Pickaway.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ross County
Affordability Verdict
Ross County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $858/month representing approximately 17.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 30.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Ross County pay $858/month on average, compared to $848/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 1%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,343/year. With a median household income of $59,819, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Ross County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Ross County sits 6% more expensive than Fayette County ($807/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ross County
Rent Burden
17.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,396
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Ross County
Median home value is $158,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,265 vs. your max of $1,396.
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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