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Cost of Living in Polk County, MO

Population 32,444 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$814
Median home value$205,800
Median household income$59,647

The median rent in Polk County, MO is $814/month, 21% lower than the Missouri median and 42% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $205,800, 38% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $59,647 a year, 16% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 16.4%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $32,560/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 3.5×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $1,041/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Polk County vs. Missouri vs. U.S.

Polk CountyMissouriU.S.
Median rent$814$1,033$1,413
Median home value$205,800$230,300$332,700
Median household income$59,647$70,702$80,734
Homeownership rate71.6%68.1%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher22.5%32.4%35.7%
Poverty rate16.3%12.6%12.5%
Unemployment rate4.0%4.0%5.2%
Work from home9.3%13.0%15.1%
Median age38.139.038.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Polk County, MO?

The median gross rent in Polk County, MO is $814 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Polk County, MO?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $32,560 a year in gross income.

Is Polk County, MO expensive to live in?

Rent there is 42% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 3.5 times the median household income.

Other counties in Missouri

St. Louis County, MORent $1,209 · Income $82,936Jackson County, MORent $1,197 · Income $68,577St. Charles County, MORent $1,370 · Income $104,692Greene County, MORent $989 · Income $61,479St. Louis city, MORent $997 · Income $56,160Clay County, MORent $1,243 · Income $88,468

Counties with a similar cost of living

Lyon County, KSRent $817 · Income $59,912Allegany County, MDRent $805 · Income $59,603Custer County, OKRent $824 · Income $59,738Richland County, OHRent $824 · Income $59,509Towns County, GARent $808 · Income $59,135Potter County, PARent $809 · Income $59,020

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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