RentData

Average Rent in Howell County, MO Rents rising 3.4% YoY🔻 4th cheapest in MO

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 40,168

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

Market Overview

Howell County, MO has rental prices ranging from $615/month to $1,384/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $634/month — 55% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $49,814/year, spending $634/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Howell County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $824/month, Howell County ranks #91 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Missouri — more affordable than 97% of all US cities in our data.

The Howell County Rental Market

The Howell County, MO area has a population of about 40,168 and 31% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Howell County, MO have risen by $27/month (3.4%) over the past year, from $797 to $824. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Howell County, MO without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $25,360. The local median household income of $49,814 exceeds that threshold by $24,454, making Howell County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Howell County, MO has an unemployment rate of 5.0%, 1.1 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$615
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$634
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$824
3.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,155
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,384
Average
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Is Howell 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
$32,960/year
Local median income: $49,814
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $824/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 Howell County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Howell County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$824/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $824/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Howell County

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Howell County

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💵Rent Affordability in Howell County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MO

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⚖️Compare Howell County

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📋MO Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections