Cost of Living in Klamath County, Oregon
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Klamath County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Klamath County ranks #2,782 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Klamath County, Oregon
Klamath Holds Its Own Nationally
Klamath County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% sits just slightly above the Oregon state average of 19.4%, putting it in solid standing compared to national affordability pressures. With a median household income of $59,353 and monthly rent of $973, residents here earn about $15,400 less than the national median but pay considerably less in housing costs.
Middle-of-the-Pack Affordability
Klamath's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks near Oregon's state average of 19.4%, positioning it as one of the state's more affordable mid-sized counties. Renters face manageable housing burdens compared to coastal and urban Oregon counties experiencing sharper affordability crunches.
Southern Oregon's Most Affordable
Klamath's median rent of $973 undercuts Josephine County ($1,157) by nearly $200 monthly while matching similar income levels. Only Lake County to the north offers lower rents, making Klamath an attractive middle ground for renters seeking reasonable costs without sacrificing regional amenities.
Balanced Renting and Homeownership
Monthly rent averages $973 while homeownership costs run $985, with the median home valued at $255,700—notably lower than coastal counties. Housing payments consume about 19.7% of median income for renters, leaving reasonable room in household budgets for other expenses.
Affordability-Focused Relocators Take Note
Klamath offers one of southern Oregon's lowest rents combined with manageable home prices, making it ideal for budget-conscious movers. Compared to Lane County's steeper costs or Josephine's coastal premium, Klamath delivers solid affordability without remote-area isolation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Klamath County
Affordability Verdict
Klamath County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $973/month representing approximately 19.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 31.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Klamath County is $973/month, while owner costs run $985/month. Renting saves approximately $12/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,214/year. With a median household income of $59,353, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Klamath County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Klamath County sits 7% more expensive than Morrow County ($910/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Klamath County
Rent Burden
19.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,385
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.9%
of gross income
The median home in Klamath County may be a stretch
Median home value is $255,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,041 vs. your max of $1,385.
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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