Special Interest
Housing in Cole County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Cole County averages $834/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 22% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Cole County FMR Area are $734 for a studio, $739 for 1‑bedroom, $970 for 2‑bedroom, $1,349 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,470 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $136 increase for a 2-bedroom in Cole County shows a 16% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Cole County was 3.0% in 2024, compared to Missouri at 3.7% and the national rate of 4.0%.
