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Missouri

Cost of living in McDonald County, MO

Estimated monthly cost
$2,489/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 23,492 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $628 25%
Healthcare $480 19%
Federal tax $384 15%
Transport $320 13%
Groceries $313 13%
Energy $194 8%
State tax $120 5%
Water $50 2%

Rent in McDonald County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$624
per month
1 bedroom
$628
per month
2 bedroom
$824
per month
3 bedroom
$1,104
per month
4 bedroom
$1,384
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in McDonald County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$48,145
per year
Individual earnings
$33,560
per year
Per capita
$24,491
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in McDonald County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$134,100
Annual property tax
$723

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in McDonald County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$142
per month · 14.2¢/kWh
Natural gas
$52
per month
Annual total
$2,328
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in McDonald County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
20.4%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in McDonald County

State and local tax rates for Missouri.

State income tax
4.8%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
4.2%
Combined sales tax
8.3%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in McDonald County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
26.7 min
Drive alone
76.5%
Public transit
0.1%
Work from home
8.4%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for McDonald County

What it costs to live in McDonald County each month.

Single person
$2,489
per month
  • Rent $628
  • Energy $194
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $313
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $384
  • State tax $120
Couple
$3,563
per month
  • Rent $824
  • Energy $233
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $519
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $465
  • State tax $178
Family
$5,965
per month
  • Rent $1,104
  • Energy $291
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $787
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $465
  • State tax $178

Frequently asked questions about McDonald County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in McDonald County?

In McDonald County, MO, a one-bedroom apartment averages $628 per month, a two-bedroom averages $824 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,104 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in McDonald County?

In McDonald County, MO, the average household income is $48,145 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $33,560 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in McDonald County?

The estimated cost of living in McDonald County, MO is approximately $2,489 per month for a single person, $3,563 for a couple, $5,965 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in McDonald County?

The combined sales tax rate in McDonald County, MO is 8.29%, which includes the Missouri state rate of 4.22% plus an average local rate of 4.06%.

Is McDonald County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in McDonald County, MO would need approximately $2,489 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $48,145 per year ($4,012 per month). McDonald County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in McDonald County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in McDonald County, MO is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 20.4% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in McDonald County?

The average home value in McDonald County, MO is $134,100, with average annual property taxes of $723, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does McDonald County compare to other areas?

You can compare McDonald County, MO with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. McDonald County is in Missouri.

Other counties in Missouri

Browse the full list of counties in Missouri, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Missouri

Compare McDonald County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources