Average Rent in St. Clair County, MO↑ Rents rising 3.4% YoY🔻 4th cheapest in MO
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 9,451
Market Overview
St. Clair County, MO has rental prices ranging from $565/month to $1,242/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $628/month — 55% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $46,731/year, spending $628/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How St. Clair County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $824/month, St. Clair County ranks #91 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Missouri — more affordable than 97% of all US cities in our data.
The St. Clair County Rental Market
The St. Clair County, MO area has a population of about 9,451 and 24% 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 St. Clair County, MO have risen by $27/month (3.4%) over the past year, from $797 to $824. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in St. Clair County, MO without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $25,120. The local median household income of $46,731 exceeds that threshold by $21,611, making St. Clair County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
St. Clair County, MO has an unemployment rate of 4.2%, 0.3 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 FY2025Is St. Clair County, MO Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in MOlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | $790 | $795 | $998 | $1,372 | — |
| Cooper County | $565 | $628 | $824 | $1,027 | — |
| Howard County | $625 | $695 | $912 | $1,099 | — |
| Columbia | $691 | $862 | $1,007 | $1,360 | — |
| Joplin | $830 | $835 | $1,036 | $1,327 | — |
| Jefferson City | $677 | $681 | $891 | $1,249 | — |
Rent or Buy in St. Clair County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real St. Clair County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in St. Clair County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in St. Clair CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in MOSee how St. Clair County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare St. Clair CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋MO Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections