Special Interest
Housing in Vernon County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Vernon County averages $734/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Missouri median of $1,033 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 23% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Vernon County FMR Area are $732 for a studio, $751 for 1‑bedroom, $986 for 2‑bedroom, $1,239 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,466 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $252 increase for a 2-bedroom in Vernon County shows a 34% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Vernon County was 3.9% in 2024, compared to Missouri at 3.7% and the national rate of 4.0%.
