Rent-to-income map
Every U.S. county colored by rent-to-income ratio. Toggle between single, couple, and family scenarios to see how affordability changes. Hover for details, click for the full profile.
About this map
This map shows what percentage of income goes to rent in every U.S. county. Use the toggle above the map to switch between household types:
- Single: compares one-bedroom Fair Market Rent against median individual earnings for full-time workers.
- Couple: compares two-bedroom Fair Market Rent against median household income.
- Family: compares three-bedroom Fair Market Rent against median household income.
HUD considers a household rent-burdened when more than 30% of income goes to housing. Counties shaded orange and red exceed that threshold at the selected household size. None of these scenarios capture roommate splits or rent below FMR, which is common in non-coastal areas.
Frequently asked questions
About the rent-to-income map.
Can I see affordability for different household sizes?
Yes. Use the Single/Couple/Family toggle above the map. Single compares one-bedroom Fair Market Rent against median individual earnings for full-time workers; Couple compares two-bedroom rent against median household income; Family compares three-bedroom rent against median household income. The 30% rent-burdened threshold applies the same way in each mode.
What is the rent-to-income ratio?
The rent-to-income ratio is annual rent divided by income, expressed as a percentage. The map uses HUD Fair Market Rents (one-bedroom for Single, two-bedroom for Couple, three-bedroom for Family) and Census income figures (individual earnings for Single, household income for Couple and Family). Lower is more affordable.
What is considered rent-burdened?
HUD defines a household as rent-burdened when they spend more than 30% of their income on housing, and severely rent-burdened above 50%. Counties shaded orange and red exceed the 30% threshold at the chosen household type.
Why is this different from the cost of living map?
The cost of living map shows absolute dollar costs. The rent-to-income ratio shows how affordable rent is relative to local earnings. A county can have moderate rent in absolute terms but still be heavily rent-burdened if local incomes are low, or expensive rent that is manageable if local incomes are correspondingly high.
About this data
County boundaries from the U.S. Census Bureau via the us-atlas project. Rent figures are HUD FY2025 Fair Market Rents; income figures are Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.