Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$74,573$6,214 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Ray County, MO
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Ray County, MO
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Kansas City, MO-KS 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 | $1,095 | $13,140 | $43,800 | 17.6% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,197 | $14,364 | $47,880 | 19.3% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,358 | $16,296 | $54,320 | 21.9% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,769 | $21,228 | $70,760 | 28.5% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,103 | $25,236 | $84,120 | 33.8% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Ray County, MO
Based on the local median household income of $74,573/year ($6,214/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
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.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Missouri with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Ray County, MO
What is the median household income in Ray County, MO?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Ray County, MO is $74,573 per year (approximately $6,214 per month).
What is the average rent in Ray County, MO?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Ray County, MO are $1,095 for a studio, $1,197 for 1 bedroom, $1,358 for 2 bedrooms, $1,769 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,103 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Ray County, MO compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Ray County, MO is 92.5 (7.5% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Ray County, MO?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,358/month) in Ray County, MO requires a minimum gross household income of $54,320 per year ($4,527 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Ray County, MO?
For a typical household earning the median income of $74,573/year ($6,214/month) in Ray County, MO, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,107/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,864/month to discretionary spending, and $1,243/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Ray 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.