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
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.
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
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.