Missouri · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Douglas County, MO

The median household in Douglas County, MO earns $45,985 a year ($3,832/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $888/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $35,520 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 9.2% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$45,985$3,832 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$888HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)90.8-9.2% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate16.2¢per kWh · EIA Residential MO
Census Population11,965Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Douglas County, MO

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$888Monthly market rent
Share of gross income23.2%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$35,520To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,150At 30% of $45,985
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Douglas County, MO

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Douglas County, MO. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Douglas County, MO
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$660$7,920$26,40017.2%
1-Bedroom Apartment$677$8,124$27,08017.7%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$888$10,656$35,52023.2%
3-Bedroom Home$1,065$12,780$42,60027.8%
4-Bedroom Home$1,320$15,840$52,80034.4%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Douglas County, MO →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Douglas County, MO

Based on the local median household income of $45,985/year ($3,832/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$1,916/moRent ($888 2-BR), utilities (~$146/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,150/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 90.8 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$766/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Missouri

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Missouri state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$45,985
$15,000$95,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$45,985
Net 82%
Fed 7%
MO 3%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$37,923After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,160Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,459Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate17.5%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$3,338 / yr
Missouri state income tax$1,206 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$3,518 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Missouri with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Douglas County, MO

What is the median household income in Douglas County, MO?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Douglas County, MO is $45,985 per year (approximately $3,832 per month).

What is the average rent in Douglas County, MO?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Douglas County, MO are $660 for a studio, $677 for 1 bedroom, $888 for 2 bedrooms, $1,065 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,320 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Douglas County, MO compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Douglas County, MO is 90.8 (9.2% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Douglas County, MO?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($888/month) in Douglas County, MO requires a minimum gross household income of $35,520 per year ($2,960 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Douglas County, MO?

For a typical household earning the median income of $45,985/year ($3,832/month) in Douglas County, MO, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $1,916/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,150/month to discretionary spending, and $766/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Douglas County, MO?

Residential electricity rates in Missouri average 16.2¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $146 per month.