Cost of Living in Curry County, Oregon
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Curry County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Curry County ranks #2,391 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Curry County, Oregon
Curry County: Expensive Despite Lower Income
Curry County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% ranks among Oregon's least affordable, even though median income of $64,769 is 13% below the national average. Renters here spend a larger share of earnings on housing than most Americans, despite earning less.
Curry County: Oregon's Affordability Challenge
At 21.4%, Curry County ties Benton County for the worst rent-to-income ratio among Oregon comparison counties, significantly above the state average of 19.4%. The south coast's scenic appeal and limited housing supply drive costs that outpace local incomes.
Curry's Rents High Despite Rural Location
Curry's $1,156 median rent exceeds nearby Coos ($992) by 16% and Baker ($814) by 42%, despite Curry having lower median income than both. Only Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, and Benton counties charge higher rents for housing in less developed areas.
Limited Income Against Rising Costs
Renters in Curry spend $1,156 monthly (21.4% of income), among Oregon's highest burdens, while homeowners pay only $947—an unusual inversion suggesting many own outright. The median home value of $366,700 reflects strong property values but limited affordability for renters.
Curry County: Only for Flexible Budgets
Curry County's scenic beauty and small-town character come at a premium price relative to local incomes—making it best suited for retirees, remote workers with outside income, or those relocating with significant savings. Budget-conscious renters should seriously consider inland alternatives like Coos or Baker counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Curry County
Affordability Verdict
Curry County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,156/month — about 21.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Curry County is $1,156/month, while owner costs run $947/month. Owning saves approximately $209/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $46,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,586/year. With a median household income of $64,769, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Curry County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Curry County sits 5% less expensive than Columbia County ($1,221/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Curry County
Rent Burden
21.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,511
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.5%
of gross income
The median home in Curry County may be a stretch
Median home value is $366,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,927 vs. your max of $1,511.
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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