Cost of Living in Butler County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Butler County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Butler County ranks #2,085 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 34%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Butler County, Alabama
Butler above national affordability standards
Renters in Butler County spend 19.3% of their income on housing, exceeding the national average of 18% and Alabama's state average of 18% by a meaningful margin. The county's median household income of $44,881 falls well below the national median of $74,755, limiting financial flexibility despite rural affordability.
Moderate affordability challenges in Alabama
Butler County ranks below-average for affordability among Alabama counties, with a 19.3% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state norm. The county faces income limitations similar to other rural peers.
Mid-range rural housing costs and incomes
Butler's median rent of $722 sits between Barbour ($644) and Bibb ($802), offering moderate-rural pricing without the lowest-cost advantage. Its median home value of $99,700 is among the lowest in this group, competitive with Barbour and Bullock for first-time homebuyers.
Modest rents strain limited incomes
Renters pay $722 monthly and homeowners $579 from a median income of just $44,881, consuming roughly 19% of household budgets for housing alone. While costs remain affordable in absolute terms, the county's limited income base means housing expenses still pressure family finances.
Butler best for those with stable outside income
Butler County's $722 median rent and $99,700 home values appeal to budget-conscious movers, but its $44,881 median income suggests caution for local job-seekers. If you have remote work or retirement income, Butler's affordable housing and rural character may offer good value; otherwise, explore higher-wage Alabama counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Butler County
Affordability Verdict
Butler County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $722/month — about 19.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $722/month rent versus $579/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $143/month cheaper — a 20% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,814/year. With a median household income of $44,881, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Butler County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Franklin County where rent averages $667/month, Butler County is approximately 8% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Butler County
Rent Burden
19.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,047
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Butler County
Median home value is $99,700. Estimated monthly cost: $796 vs. your max of $1,047.
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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