Cost of Living in Escambia County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Escambia County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Escambia County ranks #1,964 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Escambia County, Alabama
Escambia rents squeeze tight household budgets
Renters in Escambia County face a 19.1% rent-to-income ratio despite paying just $709/month—the highest burden among all eight counties examined. This tension reflects Escambia's median household income of $44,447, nearly 40% below the national average, making housing an outsized expense for local families.
Above-average rent burden signals economic pressure
Escambia's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Alabama's state average of 18.0%, placing it among the state's more strained housing markets. Though local rents of $709 fall below the state median of $799, weak median household income ($44,447) reverses any savings advantage.
Worst affordability in the regional comparison
Escambia's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds neighboring DeKalb (16.0%), Fayette (14.7%), and Franklin County (15.5%), despite comparable rent levels. The county's lower median household income ($44,447) versus its peers' $50,000–$51,000 explains the outsized housing burden.
Housing dominates household budgets here
Renters spend $709/month (19.1% of income) while homeowners pay $523/month on median-valued homes of $122,700. Combined, housing costs can claim up to 38% of annual household income, leaving less for food, transportation, and savings.
Escambia challenges unless your income aligns
Relocating to Escambia works best for households earning $45,000–$50,000+ who accept tighter budgets; lower incomes will struggle with the 19.1% rent burden. Compare Escambia's affordability carefully with neighboring DeKalb and Franklin counties before deciding—both offer better rent-to-income ratios at similar price points.
Cost of Living Advisory: Escambia County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Escambia County is affordable. The median rent is $709/month against a median household income of $44,447, putting rent at 19.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $709/month rent versus $523/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $186/month cheaper — a 26% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $22,414/year. With a median household income of $44,447, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Escambia County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Escambia County sits 7% less expensive than Jackson County ($762/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Escambia County
Rent Burden
19.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,037
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Escambia County
Median home value is $122,700. Estimated monthly cost: $980 vs. your max of $1,037.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Escambia County, Alabama?
What is the median rent in Escambia County?
Is Escambia County affordable?
How does Escambia County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Escambia County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Escambia County, Alabama? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Escambia County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.