Cost of Living in Clarke County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Clarke County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Clarke County ranks #1,779 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 43%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clarke County, Alabama
Clarke's rents strain modest incomes
Clarke County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio stands above Alabama's state average of 18.0% and reflects below-average household income of $49,167—34% below the national median of $74,755. At $785 monthly rent, housing costs consume nearly one-fifth of median household budgets.
Above-average affordability pressure in Alabama
Clarke County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the least affordable in this eight-county cohort, exceeding the state average by 1.2 percentage points. While median rent of $785 sits slightly below the state average of $799, the county's lower income amplifies housing-cost burden.
Rental costs higher than eastern peers
Clarke's $785 rent exceeds Cherokee ($750) and Choctaw ($653) but trails Chambers ($850) and Chilton ($855). Despite mid-range pricing, Clarke's below-average income makes housing feel more expensive than in neighboring counties with stronger wage bases.
Nearly one-fifth of income to rent
Monthly rent of $785 consumes 19.2% of Clarke's median $49,167 household income, while homeownership costs $589 per month on $126,400-valued homes. Total housing costs approach 30% of typical household budgets, leaving constrained room for other essentials.
Clarke suits those with stable local income
Clarke County works best for relocators with incomes above $49,000 or those with existing employment securing higher wages locally. Compare it against more affordable Cherokee ($750 rent, 17.7% ratio) or higher-income Chilton ($61,873 income, 16.6% ratio) before deciding.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clarke County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Clarke County is affordable. The median rent is $785/month against a median household income of $49,167, putting rent at 19.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $785/month rent versus $589/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $196/month cheaper — a 25% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,243/year. With a median household income of $49,167, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Clarke County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Clarke County sits 7% more expensive than Tallapoosa County ($734/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clarke County
Rent Burden
19.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,147
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Clarke County
Median home value is $126,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,009 vs. your max of $1,147.
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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