Cost of Living in Garfield County, Utah
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Garfield County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Garfield County ranks #177 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Garfield County, Utah
Garfield rents beat national affordability
At 15.2%, Garfield County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national average, meaning renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans. With median rent at just $781 per month against a median household income of $61,688, this rural county offers genuine breathing room compared to costlier metros.
Most affordable rentals in Utah
Garfield County ranks among Utah's most affordable housing markets, with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% compared to the state average of 16.6%. Median rents here are nearly $320 cheaper than Utah's state median, making it a standout value in the regional landscape.
Cheaper than Piute, pricier than Juab
Garfield's $781 rent sits between neighboring Piute County ($792) and the state average, but homeownership tells a different story—the median home value of $285,800 is lower than surrounding counties like Iron ($342,900) and Kane ($350,900). Renters have it easier here than buyers, relatively speaking.
Where your dollar goes in Garfield
Renters dedicate 15.2% of income to rent ($781/month), while homeowners commit 13.1% to mortgage costs ($673/month). Garfield residents retain more spending power than most Utah counties, with housing consuming a smaller slice of the typical household's $61,688 annual income.
Seeking rural Utah affordability?
If you're relocating to Utah and prioritize low housing costs, Garfield County's combination of cheap rent and modest home prices merits serious consideration. Compare it to neighboring Piute (tighter budgets) and Juab (higher incomes but also higher costs) to find your fit.
Cost of Living Advisory: Garfield County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Garfield County is affordable. The median rent is $781/month against a median household income of $61,688, putting rent at 15.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $781/month rent versus $673/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $108/month cheaper — a 14% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,843/year. With a median household income of $61,688, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 20.0% of renter households in Garfield County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Garfield County sits 12% more expensive than Emery County ($696/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Garfield County
Rent Burden
15.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,439
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.1%
of gross income
The median home in Garfield County may be a stretch
Median home value is $285,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,282 vs. your max of $1,439.
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
What is the cost of living in Garfield County, Utah?
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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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