Cost of Living in Carbon County, Utah
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Carbon County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Carbon County ranks #1,686 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Carbon County, Utah
Carbon struggles against national averages
Carbon County's median household income of $53,673 falls sharply below the national median of $74,755—a $21,000 gap that strains affordability despite low absolute rents. Its 18.5% rent-to-income ratio, though manageable, signals economic headwinds that make housing costs more burdensome relative to local wages.
Utah's most challenged county reviewed
Carbon County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Utah's state average of 16.6%, and its $53,673 median income ranks lowest among the eight counties surveyed. This combination signals economic stress despite moderate absolute housing costs of $828 monthly rent.
Low rents mask income struggles
Carbon's $828 rent is the second-lowest regionally, but its median income of $53,673 is far below peers like Beaver ($85,603) and Box Elder ($77,865). This income deficit means even affordable rents consume a larger share of earnings, limiting financial flexibility.
Income constraints define affordability
Renters pay $828 monthly (18.5% of income) while homeowners pay $772 (14.4%), making ownership relatively more affordable—unusual among U.S. counties. However, the real issue is low median income of $53,673, which hampers both renters' and owners' financial security.
Carbon's low costs can't offset wage gap
While Carbon County offers the second-lowest rents in the region, prospective movers should consider its limited job market and lower wage base. Unless you have remote income or employment lined up locally, more affluent counties like Beaver or Box Elder offer better long-term financial security.
Cost of Living Advisory: Carbon County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Carbon County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $828/month in gross rent, with 31.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Carbon County is $828/month, while owner costs run $772/month. Owning saves approximately $56/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,086/year. With a median household income of $53,673, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Carbon County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Daggett County where rent averages $775/month, Carbon County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Carbon County
Rent Burden
18.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,252
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.3%
of gross income
The median home in Carbon County may be a stretch
Median home value is $200,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,602 vs. your max of $1,252.
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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