Cost of Living in Malheur County, Oregon
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Malheur County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Malheur County ranks #2,710 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 14%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Malheur County, Oregon
Malheur: Cheapest Housing, Lowest Incomes
Malheur County delivers Oregon's lowest median rent at just $819 monthly, with a rent-to-income ratio of 19.7%—matching Oregon's state average despite the nation's lowest household income at $49,902. This combination reflects a rural agricultural economy where affordable housing pairs with limited earning potential.
Balanced Affordability on Tight Incomes
Malheur's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio equals Oregon's state average of 19.4%, placing it squarely in the middle affordability-wise despite the state's lowest median household income. The county's low absolute rents offset income constraints, preserving reasonable housing cost burdens.
Lowest Absolute Rents in Comparison
Malheur's median rent of $819 undercuts all regional peers—even Lake County ($861)—making it the state's cheapest rental market in this analysis. However, household incomes of $49,902 run $11,320 below Lake County, meaning renters here face genuine earning limitations despite favorable rent levels.
Affordable Rent, Limited Incomes
Monthly rent averages just $819 while homeownership runs $860, with median homes valued at $221,300—the state's most affordable. Despite these low costs, household income of $49,902 limits overall financial flexibility, meaning renters spend proportionally the same as better-earning counties despite lower absolute housing expenses.
Affordability Without Employment Anchors
Malheur offers the state's lowest housing costs, ideal for retirees or remote workers unconcerned with local employment; traditional job-seekers may struggle with limited regional opportunities. Those relocating here should prioritize income stability independent of local markets to fully capitalize on exceptional housing affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Malheur County
Affordability Verdict
Malheur County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $819/month representing approximately 19.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Malheur County is $819/month, while owner costs run $860/month. Renting saves approximately $41/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,857/year. With a median household income of $49,902, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Malheur County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Malheur County sits 10% less expensive than Morrow County ($910/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Malheur County
Rent Burden
19.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,164
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.7%
of gross income
The median home in Malheur County may be a stretch
Median home value is $221,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,767 vs. your max of $1,164.
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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