City Report · MO

Grain Valley

Pop. 16,271·20th most expensive in Missouri·Grain Valley rents have dropped 13.7%, currently a renter's market
Median rent (all units)
$1,659/mo
Year-over-Year
-13.7%
Month-over-Month
-7.2%
vs US Median
-$306
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Grain Valley · $1,659
More affordable than 65% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
84/100
Great value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 17% below what Grain Valley's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,659/mo
Expected by trend
$1,993/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Grain Valley's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,170
1 BR
$1,280
2 BR
$1,460
3 BR
$1,900
4 BR+
$2,250
Research median
$1,460/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$19,908/yr
At $1,659/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 13.7% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-13.7% YoY, -7.2% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Grain Valley, MO is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income above the national average, 27.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
16,271
Median income
$89,649
Median age
35.2
Renters
35%
Age distribution
29.9%
19.8%
29.5%
Under 1829.9%
18–3419.8%
35–5429.5%
55–649.4%
65+11.4%
Gender
49.2%
50.8%
Male49.2%
Female50.8%
Race & ethnicity
81.1%
White81.1%
Black5.1%
Hispanic9.6%
Asian0.5%
Other3.7%
Education (25+)
37.9%
29%
27.4%
No HS diploma5.8%
HS diploma37.9%
Some college29%
Bachelor's+27.4%
Housing tenure
65%
35%
Owner65%
Renter35%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2023 vs 2026

How Grain Valley, MO has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,609 → $1,659
up 3.1%
Income
$81,429 → $89,649
up 10.1%
Population
15,435 → 16,271
up 5.4%
Renter share
30.5% → 35%
+4.5 pts
Bachelor's+
26.3% → 27.4%
+1.1 pts

Five years ago, renters in Grain Valley, MO paid around $1,609 a month. That figure now sits near $1,659, up 3.1% from the 2023 baseline. On the earnings side, the typical household in Grain Valley, MO now reports about $89,649, up from $81,429 in 2021. With wages climbing faster than rent over the same window, renters here have a bit more breathing room than they did five years back. Census counts show Grain Valley, MO adding about 836 residents over the five-year window, up 5.4% on net. The renter share has risen from 30.5% to 35%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. For context, the 2023 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Grain Valley, MO reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Grain Valley rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Grain Valley on your salary?

At $1,659/mo, how Grain Valley rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Grain Valley rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Grain Valley. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Grain Valley

About renting in Grain Valley, MO

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Grain Valley is $1,659/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,170/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,460/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,280/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,900/mo.

At 22% of local median household income ($89,649/yr), Grain Valley ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 13.7% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Grain Valley an affordable city for renters?

Grain Valley is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,659/mo, rent takes approximately 22% of the local median household income ($89,649/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Grain Valley falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Grain Valley?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $66,000/year (~$32/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,659/mo in Grain Valley. The local median household income is $89,649/yr, meaning the typical Grain Valley household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Grain Valley?

Rent in Grain Valley has decreased 13.7% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Grain Valley rent compare to other cities in Missouri?

Grain Valley is one of the pricier cities in Missouri for rent, ranking #20 out of 74 tracked cities at $1,659/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Grain Valley?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Grain Valley ($1,659/mo): Independence ($1,378/mo), Oak Grove ($1,492/mo), Lees Summit ($1,632/mo).

What percentage of Grain Valley residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 35% of Grain Valley households are renters, while 65% are owner-occupied. Grain Valley leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Grain Valley rent compare to the national average?

Grain Valley's median rent of $1,659/mo is $306 (16%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Missouri, it ranks #20 out of 74 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
22%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,659/mo, rent takes ~22% of Grain Valley's median household income ($89,649/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Grain Valley 22%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–4.7%
Run the Grain Valley affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Grain Valley
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Grain Valley, MO

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