Cost of Living in Clay County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Clay County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Clay County ranks #549 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clay County, Alabama
Clay County leads on affordability index
Clay County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this eight-county cohort and well below the national norm, driven by a median household income of $51,852 paired with just $624 monthly rent. Residents here enjoy the strongest housing affordability relative to earnings of any peer county.
Top performer on Alabama affordability scale
Clay County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio dramatically underperforms Alabama's state average of 18.0%, placing it among the state's most affordable markets. The $624 median rent is the lowest in this sample, well below the state average of $799.
Unmatched rental savings in county group
Clay's $624 rent is $126 cheaper than Cherokee ($750) and $229 below Chilton ($855), offering the region's deepest rental discounts. The 14.4% rent-to-income ratio stands alone as the best bargain among its peers.
Minimal housing cost burden statewide
Monthly rent of $624 takes just 14.4% of Clay's $51,852 median household income, while homeownership averages $473 per month on $144,700-valued homes. Total housing costs consume roughly 21% of income—the lowest percentage in the entire sample.
Clay County: Alabama's affordability champion
For relocators prioritizing minimal housing expense without sacrificing income potential, Clay County delivers an unmatched combination of low rents, reasonable ownership costs, and strong affordability ratios. At 14.4%, its rent-to-income ratio beats every peer county decisively.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clay County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Clay County is affordable. The median rent is $624/month against a median household income of $51,852, putting rent at 14.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Clay County is $624/month, while owner costs run $473/month. Owning saves approximately $151/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $24,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $20,271/year. With a median household income of $51,852, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Clay County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Coosa County where rent averages $682/month, Clay County is approximately 9% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clay County
Rent Burden
14.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,210
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Clay County
Median home value is $144,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,155 vs. your max of $1,210.
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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