Cost of Living in Carter County, Oklahoma
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Carter County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Carter County ranks #3,030 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 4%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Carter County, Oklahoma
Carter County renters strain slightly above average
At 19.3%, Carter County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national affordability standard, meaning renters here dedicate nearly one-fifth of income to housing. The county's median household income of $58,856 lags the national average of $74,755, compressing room in family budgets.
Among Oklahoma's least affordable for renters
Carter County's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Oklahoma's 17.0% state average, placing it in the less affordable half of the state's counties. Renters here face tighter affordability than most of their state neighbors.
Competitive rents in a tight regional market
At $945 monthly, Carter County rents sit between Choctaw County ($676) and Canadian County ($1,208), offering a middle option for renters in the region. However, Carter's lower median income ($58,856) makes these rents proportionally more burdensome than in wealthier neighboring areas.
Renters squeezed more than homeowners here
Renters spend $945 monthly while homeowners pay $733, a reversal that reflects lower home values ($153,500) and an unusual affordability pattern where renting costs more than owning. Both consume meaningful portions of the $58,856 median income, limiting discretionary spending.
Carter County: lower costs, but budget carefully
Job seekers considering relocation should note that while rents are moderate, Carter County's income levels mean housing costs take a larger bite than state or national norms. Compare opportunities carefully against higher-income counties like Canadian if housing affordability is your priority.
Cost of Living Advisory: Carter County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Carter County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $945/month in gross rent, with 24.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Carter County is $945/month, while owner costs run $733/month. Owning saves approximately $212/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,414/year. With a median household income of $58,856, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Carter County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Carter County sits 7% more expensive than Pontotoc County ($880/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Carter County
Rent Burden
19.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,373
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Carter County
Median home value is $153,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,225 vs. your max of $1,373.
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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