Cost of Living in Cherokee County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cherokee County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cherokee County ranks #1,607 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 49%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cherokee County, Alabama
Cherokee keeps housing costs manageable
Cherokee County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% sits well below the national norm, with residents spending less than one-fifth of household income on rent. At a median household income of $50,769—32% below the national average of $74,755—the county's lower rents of $750 per month help maintain relative affordability despite lower regional wages.
Among Alabama's most affordable counties
Cherokee County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks below Alabama's state average of 18.0%, placing it among the more affordable communities in the state. The median rent of $750 is $49 cheaper than the state average of $799, offering genuine savings for renters.
Eastern Alabama's bargain rental market
Cherokee's $750 rent is the lowest among nearby Chambers ($850), Chilton ($855), and Clarke ($785) counties. Combined with respectable median home values of $165,900, Cherokee emerges as a rental and ownership bargain within its region.
Balanced rental and ownership costs
Monthly rent of $750 consumes 17.7% of Cherokee's median $50,769 household income, while homeownership averages $590 per month on $165,900-valued properties. Housing costs total roughly 25–27% of income—among the most favorable ratios in the state.
Relocate here for genuine affordability
Cherokee County delivers one of Alabama's best housing-affordability stories: low rents, reasonable home prices, and manageable rent-to-income ratios. If you're seeking an affordable relocation with below-state-average housing burdens, Cherokee outperforms neighboring counties across metrics.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cherokee County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Cherokee County is affordable. The median rent is $750/month against a median household income of $50,769, putting rent at 17.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Cherokee County is $750/month, while owner costs run $590/month. Owning saves approximately $160/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,286/year. With a median household income of $50,769, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Cherokee County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Wilcox County where rent averages $699/month, Cherokee County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cherokee County
Rent Burden
17.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,185
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.9%
of gross income
The median home in Cherokee County may be a stretch
Median home value is $165,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,324 vs. your max of $1,185.
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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