RentData

Average Rent in Payne County, OK Rents rising 3.9% YoY🔺 6th priciest in OK

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 82,290

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

Market Overview

Payne County, OK has rental prices ranging from $767/month to $1,527/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $822/month — 41% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $48,937/year, spending $822/month on a 1-bedroom represents 20% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Payne County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,014/month, Payne County ranks #6 most expensive of the 70 cities tracked in Oklahoma — pricier than 66% of all US cities in our data.

The Payne County Rental Market

The Payne County, OK area has a population of about 82,290 and 49% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Payne County, OK have risen by $38/month (3.9%) over the past year, from $976 to $1,014. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Payne County, OK without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,880. The local median household income of $48,937 exceeds that threshold by $16,057, making Payne County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Payne County, OK has an unemployment rate of 4.5%, 0.6 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.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Payne County's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Westwood ($265,673 median home value). Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$767
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$822
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,014
3.9% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,421
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,527
Average
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Is Payne County, OK 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
$40,560/year
Local median income: $48,937
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,014/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in OKlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Oklahoma City$886$961$1,180$1,575
Tulsa$890$950$1,179$1,555
Lawton$745$750$962$1,348
Pottawatomie County$642$713$936$1,242
Muskogee County$707$712$934$1,170
Garfield County$493$581$768$1,083

Rent or Buy in Payne County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Payne County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,014/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 4 years — worth it if you stay 4+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,014/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Payne 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 Payne County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Payne County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in OK

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⚖️Compare Payne County

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📋OK Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections