Cost of Living in Blount County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Blount County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Blount County ranks #1,296 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Blount County, Alabama
Blount leads on housing affordability nationwide
Renters in Blount County spend just 14.6% of their income on housing, beating the national average of 18% by a commanding margin and the state average of 18%. This exceptional affordability, combined with a median household income of $61,096, positions Blount as one of the most livable counties in the broader region.
Alabama's affordability champion
Blount County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio is the best in Alabama among these eight counties, reflecting the strongest housing-income balance. The county combines rural character with above-average incomes, a rare combination in rural Alabama.
Moderate rents, excellent income-to-cost ratio
Blount's median rent of $743 sits between rural peers Bibb ($802) and Calhoun ($804), yet its stronger median income of $61,096 yields superior affordability ratios. The county's median home value of $169,700 offers solid middle-ground pricing for homebuyers.
Balanced costs anchor strong affordability
Renters pay $743 monthly and homeowners $746 from a median income of $61,096, keeping combined housing costs at roughly 20% of household budgets. This equilibrium between rents and mortgages, paired with above-average county income, creates genuine financial breathing room.
Blount County delivers the best overall value
If affordability and reasonable incomes matter equally, Blount County offers the strongest package in this eight-county group at just 14.6% rent-to-income ratio. Evaluate whether your skills match the county's job market and whether $743 rent and $169,700 median home values fit your relocation goals.
Cost of Living Advisory: Blount County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Blount County is affordable. The median rent is $743/month against a median household income of $61,096, putting rent at 14.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $743/month rent versus $746/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $3/month cheaper — a 0% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,971/year. With a median household income of $61,096, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Blount County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Blount County sits 7% less expensive than Lauderdale County ($799/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Blount County
Rent Burden
14.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,426
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Blount County
Median home value is $169,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,355 vs. your max of $1,426.
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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