Cost of Living in Custer County, Oklahoma
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Custer County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Custer County ranks #2,442 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 22%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Custer County, Oklahoma
Custer County: Moderate national affordability
At 16.2%, Custer County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below national affordability stress thresholds, indicating healthy rents relative to earnings. Residents earning $57,562 median income pay $779 monthly in rent—a manageable burden in the national context.
Better than Oklahoma's average rents
Custer County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio beats Oklahoma's state average of 17.0%, making it a relatively affordable rental market within the state. This modest advantage, combined with below-state-average rents, positions Custer County favorably for renters statewide.
Moderate costs, higher ownership prices
Custer County's $779 rent is mid-range among these eight counties, but its median home value of $177,000 ranks among the highest, suggesting a market tilted toward homeowners. Renters here enjoy lower relative costs while buyers face steeper entry prices compared to counties like Cotton or Ellis.
Ownership costs exceed rental burdens
Custer County renters spend 16.2% of their $57,562 income on rent, while homeowners commit 18.2% to monthly costs of $874. The reversal—where ownership costs outpace rental burdens—reflects the county's elevated home values and suggests renting may be the more affordable option for newcomers.
Custer County: Rent before you buy
If relocating to Custer County, test the market by renting first; at $779 monthly, rental affordability exceeds homeownership costs despite the county's $177,000 median home value. This dynamic is ideal for job seekers exploring the area before committing to a purchase.
Cost of Living Advisory: Custer County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Custer County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $779/month in gross rent, with 31.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $779/month rent versus $874/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $95/month cheaper — a 11% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,457/year. With a median household income of $57,562, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Custer County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Oklahoma, Custer County is more affordable than Ellis County by roughly 7% ($779/mo vs $728/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Custer County
Rent Burden
16.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,343
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.2%
of gross income
The median home in Custer County may be a stretch
Median home value is $177,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,413 vs. your max of $1,343.
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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