Cost of Living in Payne County, Oklahoma
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Payne County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Payne County ranks #3,059 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Payne County, Oklahoma
Payne County faces significant affordability strain
Payne County renters spend 22.6% of household income on rent—well above the 15% affordability benchmark and among the most strained in these counties. The median household income of $48,937 sits 35% below the national average, making rental costs genuinely burdensome for typical families.
Oklahoma's least affordable rental market
Payne County's 22.6% rent-to-income ratio dramatically exceeds Oklahoma's 17.0% state average, marking it as the state's least-affordable county in this analysis. The combination of the highest median rents ($922/month) and lowest incomes creates the region's most severe housing affordability crisis.
Highest rents, lowest incomes
Payne County's $922 median rent surpasses all peer counties while its $48,937 household income ties for the lowest, creating a perfect affordability storm. Renters here pay roughly $100-150 more monthly than neighbors in Osage, Ottawa, or Pontotoc counties.
Renters squeezed hardest in Payne
Renters spend $922 monthly (22.6% of income) while homeowners pay $1,035—the only county where mortgages exceed rents. The median home value of $217,700 is highest in this group, suggesting college-town demand (Stillwater) inflates prices beyond local incomes.
Payne County carries real affordability risks
If relocating to Payne County, carefully assess whether your income exceeds the $48,937 median; renters here face cost-burden pressures not seen in neighboring counties. College-town dynamics in Stillwater drive higher home values, so weigh whether local job prospects justify the housing premium.
Cost of Living Advisory: Payne County
Affordability Verdict
Payne County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $922/month representing approximately 22.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 34.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $922/month rent versus $1,035/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $113/month cheaper — a 11% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $44,357/year. With a median household income of $48,937, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Payne County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Payne County sits 6% more expensive than Pottawatomie County ($869/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Payne County
Rent Burden
22.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,142
per month
Owner Cost Burden
25.4%
of gross income
The median home in Payne County may be a stretch
Median home value is $217,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,738 vs. your max of $1,142.
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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