Cost of Living in Baldwin County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Baldwin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Baldwin County ranks #1,727 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Baldwin County, Alabama
Baldwin keeps pace with national affordability
At a 19.4% rent-to-income ratio, Baldwin County's renters spend just slightly more than the national average of 18%, indicating solid housing affordability despite higher absolute costs. The county's median income of $75,019 nearly matches the national median of $74,755, helping offset its premium rents.
Alabama's most expensive housing market
Baldwin County ranks as Alabama's least affordable county, with the highest median rents and home values across the state. Its 19.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 18%, reflecting the coastal economic premium and tourism-driven property markets.
Gulf Coast premium over inland peers
Baldwin's median rent of $1,211 towers over rural Barbour County ($644) and Bibb County ($802), though mirrors nearby Autauga County at $1,200. The county's median home value of $287,000 is the highest in this eight-county comparison, reflecting beachfront and resort-adjacent appreciation.
High rents and mortgages strain budgets
Renters pay $1,211 monthly while homeowners commit $1,098 to mortgages from a median income of $75,019, totaling over 30% of household income toward housing alone. This dual burden makes Baldwin's housing costs the steepest in Alabama, though still manageable compared to national metros.
Baldwin rewards higher earners seeking Gulf access
If your income exceeds Baldwin's $75,019 median, the county's coastal lifestyle and strongest job market in this group may justify premium housing costs. Weigh the $1,211 median rent against amenities like beaches, tourism employment, and above-average local wages before relocating.
Cost of Living Advisory: Baldwin County
Affordability Verdict
Baldwin County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,211/month representing approximately 19.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Baldwin County is $1,211/month, while owner costs run $1,098/month. Owning saves approximately $113/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $48,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,057/year. With a median household income of $75,019, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Baldwin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Alabama, Baldwin County is more affordable than Jefferson County by roughly 7% ($1,211/mo vs $1,132/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Baldwin County
Rent Burden
19.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,750
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.6%
of gross income
The median home in Baldwin County may be a stretch
Median home value is $287,000. Estimated monthly cost: $2,291 vs. your max of $1,750.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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