You do not need a six-figure salary to live comfortably in America — you just need to pick the right county. While the national median gross rent is $1,163/month and the median home value is $281,900, some counties offer housing at a fraction of those prices.
We analyzed Census Bureau data for all 3,100+ US counties to find the 25 most affordable places to live, ranked by median gross rent. These are real numbers from real communities — not cherry-picked outliers.
The 25 Most Affordable Counties in America
Ranked by median gross rent from lowest to highest.
| Rank | County | State | Median Rent | Median Home Value | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cottle County | Texas | $264/mo | $59,300 | $59,063 |
| 2 | Issaquena County | Mississippi | $339/mo | $110,800 | $31,429 |
| 3 | Sheridan County | North Dakota | $373/mo | $110,300 | $62,639 |
| 4 | Hardin County | Illinois | $379/mo | $103,800 | $54,271 |
| 5 | Worth County | Missouri | $381/mo | $96,600 | $47,847 |
| 6 | Schuyler County | Missouri | $382/mo | $137,500 | $61,205 |
| 7 | Greene County | Alabama | $432/mo | $81,200 | $29,200 |
| 8 | Elliott County | Kentucky | $432/mo | $123,500 | $45,776 |
| 9 | Jackson County | South Dakota | $442/mo | $117,300 | $35,417 |
| 10 | Sioux County | North Dakota | $444/mo | $85,400 | $42,083 |
| 11 | Owsley County | Kentucky | $448/mo | $80,100 | $22,188 |
| 12 | Jefferson County | Mississippi | $448/mo | $81,300 | $38,305 |
| 13 | Presidio County | Texas | $448/mo | $121,300 | $43,802 |
| 14 | Pope County | Illinois | $449/mo | $143,800 | $60,050 |
| 15 | Martin County | Kentucky | $450/mo | $86,900 | $37,042 |
| 16 | Calhoun County | West Virginia | $473/mo | $100,500 | $43,980 |
| 17 | Garfield County | Nebraska | $490/mo | $176,600 | $62,804 |
| 18 | Judith Basin County | Montana | $495/mo | $238,300 | $59,000 |
| 19 | Corson County | South Dakota | $496/mo | $69,800 | $46,406 |
| 20 | Wolfe County | Kentucky | $501/mo | $75,800 | $30,417 |
| 21 | Rolette County | North Dakota | $505/mo | $103,800 | $59,517 |
| 22 | Hayes County | Nebraska | $508/mo | $128,100 | $69,250 |
| 23 | Clinch County | Georgia | $509/mo | $84,400 | $45,847 |
| 24 | Wheeler County | Nebraska | $509/mo | $146,500 | $70,250 |
| 25 | Scotland County | Missouri | $511/mo | $158,800 | $68,913 |
What Makes These Counties So Affordable?
The most affordable counties in America share several characteristics:
- Rural locations: Most are in rural areas far from major metro centers, where demand for housing is lower and land is abundant.
- Lower cost of services: Smaller populations mean lower costs for local government, which translates to lower taxes and fees.
- Older housing stock: Many affordable counties have homes built decades ago. While these may need updates, the entry cost is dramatically lower.
- Regional economies: Many are in the South and Midwest, where the overall cost structure — groceries, healthcare, transportation — is also lower.
Affordability Is Not Just About Rent
A $500/month apartment means little if the nearest hospital is two hours away or if there are no jobs in the area. When evaluating affordability, consider the full picture:
- Employment opportunities: Are there jobs in your field, or can you work remotely?
- Healthcare access: How far is the nearest hospital or clinic?
- Commute costs: Low rent can be offset by long, expensive commutes.
- Internet connectivity: For remote workers, broadband access is non-negotiable.
- Quality of life: Schools, safety, recreation, and community all matter.
The best "affordable" county for you is one where low costs align with your lifestyle needs — not just the one with the cheapest rent.
How Rent-to-Income Ratio Tells the Real Story
Financial advisors generally recommend spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing. The rent-to-income ratio captures this relationship better than rent alone.
Many of the counties on this list have rent-to-income ratios well below 20%, meaning residents spend less than a fifth of their income on housing. Compare that to high-cost metros where the ratio can exceed 40%.
You can view the rent-to-income ratio for any county on its detail page here on HomesByCounty.
Thinking About Relocating?
If you are considering a move to a more affordable area, here are some practical steps:
- Research remote work policies: If your employer offers remote work, you can earn a metro salary while living in a low-cost county.
- Visit before you commit: Spend a week in the area. Talk to locals. Get a feel for the community.
- Factor in moving costs: Long-distance moves can cost $2,000-10,000+. Budget accordingly.
- Check the job market: Even if you work remotely, having local backup options provides security.
- Consider the transition: Moving from a city to a rural county is a lifestyle change, not just a financial one.
Methodology
All data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). Counties are ranked by median gross rent. Counties with missing rent or income data were excluded.
Data source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). All figures are estimates based on survey data and may not reflect current market conditions.