RentData

Average Rent in McDonald County, MO↓ Rents falling 25.5% YoY🔻 Cheapest in MO

HUD FY2021 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 23,492

Data review: HUD FY2021Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction
⚠️ Data notice: The most recent HUD data available for this area is FY2021. HUD may have reclassified this metro — figures may not reflect current market conditions.

Market Overview

McDonald County, MO has rental prices ranging from $567/month to $927/month in 2021, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $581/month — 58% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $48,145/year, spending $581/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How McDonald County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $662/month, McDonald County ranks #94 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Missouri — more affordable than 100% of all US cities in our data.

The McDonald County Rental Market

The McDonald County, MO area has a population of about 23,492 and 32% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in McDonald County, MO have fallen by $226/month (25.5%) over the past year, from $888 to $662. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in McDonald County, MO without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $23,240. The local median household income of $48,145 exceeds that threshold by $24,905, making McDonald County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

McDonald County, MO has an unemployment rate of 5.4%, 1.5 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 FY2021
Studio
$567
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$581
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$662
↓25.5% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$921
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$927
Affordable
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Is McDonald 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
$26,480/year
Local median income: $48,145
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $662/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 McDonald County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real McDonald County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$662/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: $662/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in McDonald 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 McDonald County

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💵Rent Affordability in McDonald County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MO

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⚖️Compare McDonald County

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

📋MO Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections