Cost of Living in Stark County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Stark County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Stark County ranks #2,693 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 14%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Stark County, Ohio
Stark sits slightly above national strain
Stark County renters spend 16.0% of household income on housing, slightly above Ohio's 15.6% state average and the national sweet spot. Median income of $65,740 trails the national median by 12%, meaning residents here face modest but real affordability pressure.
Mid-pack affordability for Ohio
Stark's 16.0% rent ratio places it squarely in the middle of Ohio's county rankings, neither exceptionally affordable nor deeply strained. The $877 median rent runs just $4 above the state average, confirming Stark's status as a representative Ohio housing market.
Stark anchors northeast Ohio's market
Stark's 16.0% ratio sits between Shelby County's 14.9% and Summit County's 16.9%, reflecting its position as a stable urban-suburban hub. Nearby Trumbull County (17.1%) and Tuscarawas County (16.3%) cluster closely, suggesting a consistent affordability zone across the region.
Stark's rent and mortgage reality
Renters earn $5,478/month on average and pay $877 for housing—16% of gross income that leaves reasonable margins for other expenses. Homeowners spend $953/month on properties worth $177,700, making ownership achievable for those with stable employment and modest down payment savings.
Stark appeals to pragmatic relocators
If you earn $60,000–$75,000 and value urban amenities without coastal pricing, Stark delivers solid value with reasonable housing costs. The county's manufacturing heritage and service-sector jobs mean employers actively recruit, making it a reasonable bet for career changers seeking Midwestern stability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Stark County
Affordability Verdict
Stark County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $877/month — about 16.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Stark County pay $877/month on average, compared to $953/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 8%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,843/year. With a median household income of $65,740, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Stark County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Stark County sits 6% more expensive than Defiance County ($826/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Stark County
Rent Burden
16.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,534
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Stark County
Median home value is $177,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,419 vs. your max of $1,534.
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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