Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$84,426$7,036 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Licking County, OH
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Licking County, OH
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Columbus, OH HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,111 | $13,332 | $44,440 | 15.8% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,194 | $14,328 | $47,760 | 17% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,430 | $17,160 | $57,200 | 20.3% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,715 | $20,580 | $68,600 | 24.4% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,927 | $23,124 | $77,080 | 27.4% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Licking County, OH
Based on the local median household income of $84,426/year ($7,036/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Ohio
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Ohio state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Ohio with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Licking County, OH
What is the median household income in Licking County, OH?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Licking County, OH is $84,426 per year (approximately $7,036 per month).
What is the average rent in Licking County, OH?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Licking County, OH are $1,111 for a studio, $1,194 for 1 bedroom, $1,430 for 2 bedrooms, $1,715 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,927 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Licking County, OH compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Licking County, OH is 95.5 (4.5% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Licking County, OH?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,430/month) in Licking County, OH requires a minimum gross household income of $57,200 per year ($4,767 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Licking County, OH?
For a typical household earning the median income of $84,426/year ($7,036/month) in Licking County, OH, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,518/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,111/month to discretionary spending, and $1,407/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Licking County, OH?
Residential electricity rates in Ohio average 19.2¢ 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 $173 per month.