RentData

Average Rent in Callaway County, MO↑ Rents rising 6.5% YoY🔺 5th priciest in MO

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 44,541

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Callaway County, MO has rental prices ranging from $756/month to $1,420/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $761/month — 46% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $72,645/year, spending $761/month on a 1-bedroom represents 13% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Callaway County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $998/month, Callaway County ranks #5 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Missouri — pricier than 64% of all US cities in our data.

The Callaway County Rental Market

The Callaway County, MO area has a population of about 44,541 and 24% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Callaway County, MO have risen by $61/month (6.5%) over the past year, from $937 to $998. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Callaway County, MO without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $30,440. The local median household income of $72,645 exceeds that threshold by $42,205, making Callaway County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Callaway County, MO has an unemployment rate of 3.5%, 0.4 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Callaway County's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Lake Mykee Town ($313,902 median home value). Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$756
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$761
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$998
↑6.5% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,202
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,420
Affordable
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Is Callaway County, MO Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$39,920/year
Local median income: $72,645
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $998/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MOlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Springfield$790$795$998$1,372—
Cooper County$565$628$824$1,027—
Howard County$625$695$912$1,099—
Columbia$691$862$1,007$1,360—
Joplin$830$835$1,036$1,327—
Jefferson City$677$681$891$1,249—

Rent or Buy in Callaway County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Callaway County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$998/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 4 years — worth it if you stay 4+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $998/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Callaway County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Callaway County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Callaway County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MO

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⚖️Compare Callaway County

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📋MO Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections