Cost of Living in Scioto County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Scioto County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Scioto County ranks #2,216 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 30%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Scioto County, Ohio
Scioto's rent burden exceeds national norms
Scioto County residents spend 18.1% of household income on rent, significantly higher than the national average and a warning sign for affordability stress. With a median household income of $49,571—33% below the national median of $74,755—renters here face tighter budgets than most Americans.
Among Ohio's least affordable counties
Scioto's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks it above Ohio's state average of 15.6%, placing it among the state's most cost-burdened housing markets. The median rent of $749/month is actually $124 cheaper than Ohio's state median, but local incomes simply don't stretch far enough.
How Scioto stacks up nearby
Compared to neighboring Trumbull County (17.1% rent ratio) and Pike County to the south, Scioto faces some of Ohio's steepest housing-cost pressure relative to what residents earn. Seneca County to the north offers more breathing room at 15.0%, suggesting modest relief just 100 miles away.
Where Scioto's paycheck goes
The median renter spends $749/month on housing while earning $4,131/month, consuming nearly one-fifth of gross income before taxes or utilities. Homeowners pay $700/month on average for a $132,300 median home—a more affordable path if financing is accessible, but the median home value still requires significant down payment savings for low-income households.
Considering a move to Scioto?
If your household earns below $50,000 annually, Scioto offers some of Ohio's lowest median rents and home values, making homeownership more achievable than in wealthier counties. But verify your job market stability first—income growth here lags state and national trends, so arriving without secure employment could intensify affordability challenges.
Cost of Living Advisory: Scioto County
Affordability Verdict
Scioto County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $749/month representing approximately 18.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 31.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Scioto County is $749/month, while owner costs run $700/month. Owning saves approximately $49/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,000/year. With a median household income of $49,571, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Scioto County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Ohio, Scioto County is less affordable than Guernsey County by roughly 7% ($749/mo vs $803/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Scioto County
Rent Burden
18.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,157
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Scioto County
Median home value is $132,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,056 vs. your max of $1,157.
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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