Cost of Living in Ottawa County, Oklahoma
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ottawa County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ottawa County ranks #2,863 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 9%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ottawa County, Oklahoma
Ottawa County's rents stretch incomes tighter
Ottawa County residents spend 18.8% of income on rent, crossing into the "cost-burdened" territory that housing experts flag as unsustainable. With a median household income of $48,656—35% below the national average—renters here face real affordability pressure despite modest rent prices.
Below-average affordability in Oklahoma
Ottawa County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% exceeds Oklahoma's 17.0% state average, placing it in the less-affordable half of the state's counties. The squeeze reflects lower household incomes relative to rental costs across the county.
Modest rents with income challenges
Ottawa County's $764 rent rivals Osage County's ($786) for affordability but does so on a household income $11,826 lower, making the ratio worse. Compared to higher-earning Pontotoc County ($62,564 median income), Ottawa renters face steeper percentage-based burdens.
Homeownership offers better value here
Renters in Ottawa spend $764 monthly while homeowners pay just $690, making mortgage costs 10% cheaper than rents—unusual among these counties. The median home value of $114,300 is the lowest in this group, offering an entry point for buyers with limited capital.
Ottawa suits homebuyers on tight budgets
If owning matters more than renting, Ottawa County's low home values and affordable mortgage costs ($690/month) outpace rental affordability significantly. Verify your income aligns with the $48,656 median and explore mortgage pre-qualification to understand your real buying power.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ottawa County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Ottawa County is affordable. The median rent is $764/month against a median household income of $48,656, putting rent at 18.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Ottawa County is $764/month, while owner costs run $690/month. Owning saves approximately $74/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,571/year. With a median household income of $48,656, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Ottawa County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Oklahoma, Ottawa County is less affordable than Marshall County by roughly 7% ($764/mo vs $819/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ottawa County
Rent Burden
18.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,135
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Ottawa County
Median home value is $114,300. Estimated monthly cost: $912 vs. your max of $1,135.
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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