Cost of Living in Sherman County, Oregon
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sherman County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sherman County ranks #1,065 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 34%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sherman County, Oregon
Sherman's affordability masks income challenge
Sherman County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio sits barely below Oregon's state average, but the picture grows more complex when considering the median household income of just $59,500—15% below the national median. Renters here spend a slightly higher proportion of lower earnings on housing compared to typical Americans.
Affordable rents, but income lags statewide
Sherman County's $945 monthly rent falls well below Oregon's $1,137 average, yet the 19.1% rent-to-income ratio slightly trails the state average due to lower incomes. The county represents classic rural Oregon: modest housing costs offset by limited earning potential.
Sherman competes with eastern Oregon peers
Sherman's $945 rent sits between Morrow County ($910) and Umatilla County ($962), with the 19.1% rent-to-income ratio slightly below neighboring Morrow (15.6%) but better than Tillamook (21.1%). Income levels here remain the lowest among compared counties, affecting overall affordability assessment.
Low rents, lower incomes create balance
Sherman renters spend $945 monthly while homeowners pay just $649—the lowest monthly ownership cost among all surveyed counties—with median home value of $206,700. The combination of low income ($59,500) and low housing costs means residents balance affordability with limited economic opportunity.
Sherman offers affordability with tradeoffs
Sherman County's $945 rent and remarkably affordable homeownership costs ($649/month) appeal to those prioritizing low housing expenses, but limited job markets require careful consideration. The county works best for retirees, remote workers, or those with income from elsewhere who value extreme housing affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sherman County
Affordability Verdict
Sherman County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $945/month representing approximately 19.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 18.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Sherman County is $945/month, while owner costs run $649/month. Owning saves approximately $296/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,814/year. With a median household income of $59,500, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 18.0% of renter households in Sherman County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Sherman County sits 10% more expensive than Lake County ($861/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sherman County
Rent Burden
19.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,388
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.1%
of gross income
The median home in Sherman County may be a stretch
Median home value is $206,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,650 vs. your max of $1,388.
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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