Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Oklahoma
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jefferson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jefferson County ranks #1,684 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Oklahoma
Jefferson County offers rare rental affordability
Jefferson County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio is significantly below the national average and Oklahoma's state average of 17.0%, making it one of the most affordable rental markets in the region. Despite a median household income of $48,750—well below the national median of $74,755—residents pay just $588/month in median rent.
Oklahoma's most affordable rental county
Jefferson County ranks among Oklahoma's best for housing affordability, with a 14.5% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average by 2.5 percentage points. At $588/month, median rent is $226 below the state average, the lowest in this county comparison.
Jefferson undercuts surrounding housing markets
Jefferson County's $588 median rent is substantially cheaper than Jackson County ($865) and Le Flore County ($773), though owner costs reflect the same affordability pattern. The $77,500 median home value is the lowest among peer counties, making Jefferson ideal for budget-conscious renters and first-time buyers.
Jefferson's lean housing-to-income ratio
With median income at $48,750 and rent at just $588/month, renters dedicate only 14.5% of earnings to housing. Homeowners pay $504/month on mortgages, meaning owner-occupants spend roughly 12.5% of income on housing costs—exceptional affordability by any measure.
Jefferson County: Oklahoma's affordability leader
If stretching your dollars matters most, Jefferson County delivers the lowest rent and home values in this region while keeping housing below 15% of income. This county rewards low-income workers, retirees, and anyone prioritizing maximum affordability over urban amenities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jefferson County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Jefferson County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $588/month in gross rent, with 26.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Jefferson County is $588/month, while owner costs run $504/month. Owning saves approximately $84/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $23,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,600/year. With a median household income of $48,750, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Jefferson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Adair County where rent averages $650/month, Jefferson County is approximately 10% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jefferson County
Rent Burden
14.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,138
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Jefferson County
Median home value is $77,500. Estimated monthly cost: $619 vs. your max of $1,138.
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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