RentData

Average Rent in Highland County, OH↑ Rents rising 2.8% YoY🔻 3rd cheapest in OH

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 43,403

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Highland County, OH has rental prices ranging from $664/month to $1,396/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $751/month — 46% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $62,008/year, spending $751/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Highland County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $884/month, Highland County ranks #66 most expensive of the 68 cities tracked in Ohio — more affordable than 79% of all US cities in our data.

The Highland County Rental Market

The Highland County, OH area has a population of about 43,403 and 27% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Highland County, OH have risen by $24/month (2.8%) over the past year, from $860 to $884. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Highland County, OH without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $30,040. The local median household income of $62,008 exceeds that threshold by $31,968, making Highland County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Highland County, OH has an unemployment rate of 4.0%, 0.1 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 FY2025
Studio
$664
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$751
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$884
↑2.8% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,065
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,396
Affordable
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Is Highland County, OH 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
$35,360/year
Local median income: $62,008
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $884/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in OHlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Brown County$726$731$947$1,273—
Columbus$1,104$1,194$1,445$1,741—
Dayton$780$845$1,077$1,390—
Akron$799$880$1,131$1,398—
Ottawa County$677$753$988$1,190—
Toledo$745$805$1,056$1,371—

Rent or Buy in Highland County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Highland County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$884/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: $884/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Highland 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 Highland County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Highland County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in OH

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⚖️Compare Highland County

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📋OH Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections