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
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 FY2025Is 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)
Nearby Cities in MOlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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
Buying breaks even after 4 years — worth it if you stay 4+ years.
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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Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Callaway CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in MOSee how Callaway County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Callaway CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋MO Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections