The Least Affordable Market in Missouri is a Real Surprise

Are you struggling to get by? If so, you are in good company. That is the story for many in Missouri and elsewhere, too. There is one county in Missouri, though, that is less affordable than any others and it's truly a surprise.

A word of warning. Math is not my strong suit. When I come across data that shows home values, prices and other factors that affect the economy, I am bewildered. Fortunately, we're not relying on my math in this instance. It's a new breakdown of the least affordable county in each state by 24/7 Wall St. Their choice for Missouri was not what I expected. Was it somewhere near St. Louis? Nope. What about the ever-growing Kansas City area? Not that one either. The fact is the least affordable county in Missouri is nowhere near either metro in the state.

What is the least affordable county in Missouri?

It's little ole Morgan County, Missouri right in the heart of the state. Here are the numbers shared in the study:

• Median home price to income ratio: 7.0 to 1
• Median home list price in March 2025: $349,450
• Median home list price per square foot: $220
• Median household income: $49,663
• 1-year change in median list price: -12.5%
• Listed homes in county, March 2025: 162

Morgan County is one of the most beautiful parts of Missouri. Its proximity to the Lake of the Ozarks area no doubt plays a big part in why affordability is such a challenge there.