RentData

Average Rent in Lewis County, MO↑ Rents rising 8.3% YoY🔻 4th cheapest in MO

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 9,945

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Lewis County, MO has rental prices ranging from $670/month to $1,443/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $735/month — 47% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $52,340/year, spending $735/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Lewis County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $962/month, Lewis County ranks #91 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Missouri — more affordable than 77% of all US cities in our data.

The Lewis County Rental Market

The Lewis County, MO area has a population of about 9,945 and 23% 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 Lewis County, MO have risen by $74/month (8.3%) over the past year, from $888 to $962. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Lewis County, MO without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $29,400. The local median household income of $52,340 exceeds that threshold by $22,940, making Lewis County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Lewis County, MO has an unemployment rate of 4.9%, 1.0 percentage point 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 FY2027
Studio
$670
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$735
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$962
↑8.3% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,332
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,443
Average
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Lewis County
▼

Is Lewis 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
$38,480/year
Local median income: $52,340
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $962/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MOlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Springfield$908$913$1,113$1,539—
Cooper County$695$735$962$1,278—
Howard County$689$757$990$1,180—
Columbia$749$959$1,076$1,459—
Joplin$904$910$1,153$1,501—
Jefferson City$731$735$962$1,332—

Rent or Buy in Lewis County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Lewis County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$962/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 5 years — worth it if you stay 5+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $962/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Lewis County

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

Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data

Select your origin state to see the estimate

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️Neighborhoods in Lewis County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Lewis County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MO

See how Lewis County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Lewis County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋MO Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections