Cost of Living in Stephens County, Oklahoma
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Stephens County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Stephens County ranks #2,614 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Stephens County, Oklahoma
Stephens County approaches affordability threshold
Stephens County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Oklahoma's state average, placing renters near the edge of comfort—economists recommend spending no more than 30% on housing, and Stephens leaves reasonable margins. At $865/month against $60,236 median income, the county offers moderate affordability.
Middle-of-the-road affordability for Oklahoma
Stephens County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio matches Oklahoma's state average of 17.0%, placing it squarely in the middle tier for affordability across the state. This reflects a balance between modest rents and respectable incomes that characterizes many rural Oklahoma counties.
Pricier than panhandle partners, cheaper than metros
Stephens County's $865 monthly rent exceeds Roger Mills ($708) and Tillman ($704) but trails Texas County ($939) and Tulsa ($1,060). The county positions itself as a mid-tier rental market, neither the panhandle's bargain nor the urban centers' premium pricing.
Renters and owners both share burden
Renters spend $865/month (17.2% of income) while homeowners pay $740/month (14.7% of income) on median household earnings of $60,236. Stephens County offers a reasonable balance between rental and ownership costs, with both paths consuming less than 20% of household income.
Stephens County balances cost and comfort
If you earn near Stephens County's $60,236 median income, your 17.2% rent burden sits at Oklahoma's state average—manageable but not extraordinary. Compare this to Roger Mills' 13.6% ratio for potential savings, or accept Stephens as a solid middle option if proximity to town amenities justifies slightly higher housing costs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Stephens County
Affordability Verdict
Stephens County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $865/month representing approximately 17.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $865/month rent versus $740/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $125/month cheaper — a 14% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,714/year. With a median household income of $60,236, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Stephens County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Okmulgee County where rent averages $811/month, Stephens County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Stephens County
Rent Burden
17.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,406
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Stephens County
Median home value is $135,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,079 vs. your max of $1,406.
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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