Cost of Living in Dallas County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dallas County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dallas County ranks #1,690 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dallas County, Alabama
Dallas faces severe housing affordability crisis
Dallas County's 24.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the worst in the nation—residents here spend nearly a quarter of income on rent alone. The median household income of just $36,810 against $749 monthly rent creates genuine hardship, with housing consuming far more of take-home than sustainable.
Dallas is Alabama's least affordable county
At 24.4%, Dallas's rent burden is the highest among all peer counties and far exceeds Alabama's 18.0% state average. This represents a 6+ percentage point gap, signaling that Dallas faces unique affordability challenges within the state.
Worst affordability in the region
Dallas's 24.4% rent burden towers over all adjacent counties; even relatively pricier Dale at 19.2% offers nearly 5 percentage points of relief. The combination of lowest incomes and modest-but-heavy rent creates a uniquely difficult housing situation.
Income crisis drives housing crisis
At $36,810 annual income—the group's lowest—Dallas households pay $749 monthly rent, consuming 24.4% before utilities, food, or other essentials. Homeownership at $531 monthly and $97,400 median value offers modest relief but requires down payment resources many lack.
Dallas demands careful consideration
Dallas County presents serious affordability risks for renters—the 24.4% rent burden is unsustainable for most households and ranks worst in the state. Only consider moving here if securing stable employment at significantly higher wages, or explore the $97,400 homeownership option if you have down payment capacity.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dallas County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Dallas County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $749/month in gross rent, with 36.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Dallas County pay $749/month on average, compared to $531/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 29%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $22,757/year. With a median household income of $36,810, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 36.0% of renter households in Dallas County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Alabama, Dallas County is less affordable than Bibb County by roughly 7% ($749/mo vs $802/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dallas County
Rent Burden
24.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$859
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Dallas County
Median home value is $97,400. Estimated monthly cost: $778 vs. your max of $859.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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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