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
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.
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
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.