Cost of Living in Calhoun County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Calhoun County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Calhoun County ranks #2,162 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 31%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Calhoun County, Alabama
Calhoun slightly better than national average
Renters in Calhoun County spend 17.3% of their income on housing, beating the national average of 18% and the Alabama state average of 18%. The county's median household income of $55,826 lags the national median of $74,755, but housing affordability provides a meaningful offset.
Solid affordability within Alabama
Calhoun County ranks above-average for housing affordability in Alabama, with a 17.3% rent-to-income ratio that edges below the state norm. The county offers balanced rural living without the extremes seen in wealthier or poorer Alabama communities.
Moderate rents in a competitive peer group
Calhoun's median rent of $804 nearly ties Bibb County's $802 and sits between Barbour ($644) and Blount ($743), positioning it in the rural mainstream. Its median home value of $149,500 offers middle-ground pricing compared to coastal Baldwin ($287,000) and poorest rural counties under $130,000.
Balanced housing costs on modest income
Renters pay $804 monthly and homeowners $713 from a median income of $55,826, keeping combined housing costs under 27% of household budgets. This equilibrium makes Calhoun accessible for both renters and buyers seeking stable, affordable rural living.
Calhoun offers reliable rural-suburban balance
With a 17.3% rent-to-income ratio and median home values at $149,500, Calhoun County delivers dependable affordability for families seeking rural stability. Compare its $804 rent to your current housing burden and assess whether the county's job market aligns with your career trajectory.
Cost of Living Advisory: Calhoun County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Calhoun County is affordable. The median rent is $804/month against a median household income of $55,826, putting rent at 17.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Calhoun County pay $804/month on average, compared to $713/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 11%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,557/year. With a median household income of $55,826, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Calhoun County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Calhoun County sits 6% less expensive than Chilton County ($855/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Calhoun County
Rent Burden
17.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,303
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Calhoun County
Median home value is $149,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,194 vs. your max of $1,303.
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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