Cost of Living in Etowah County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
These figures are county medians, not a personal budget. Use them to frame rent, ownership, and income tradeoffs, then account for household size, commute, financing, insurance, taxes, debt, and local availability before making a decision.
How Etowah County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Etowah County ranks #1,180 of 3,142 counties for affordability (top 38%)
Sourced county brief
Etowah County Median Gross Rent as Percentage of Income at 29.0%
The official median gross rent as a percentage of household income (GRAPI) in Etowah County is 29.0%. This figure is 0.4 percentage points higher than the Alabama unweighted county mean for GRAPI of 28.6%. The median gross rent in the county was estimated at $847, which is $27 above the state unweighted mean of $820. Median renter-household income is $33,846. In the owner-occupied sector, the median home value is $167,100, which is $7,440 higher than the Alabama unweighted county mean of $159,660. Median selected monthly owner costs for all owner-occupied units are $725, exceeding the state unweighted county mean of $706. These statistics provide a snapshot of housing tenure costs based on the 2020-2024 American Community Survey estimates. See ACS table B25071 for the underlying estimate.
Source record
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25064 Median Gross Rent
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25071 GRAPI
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25077 Median Home Value
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25088 Selected Monthly Owner Costs
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25119 Household Income by Tenure
Data version acs5-2020-2024 · Method cost-brief-v1
Cost of Living Advisory: Etowah County
Affordability Verdict
ACS B25071 estimates median gross rent at 29.0% of renter household income in Etowah County, which is below the 30% affordability benchmark. This is a median percentage among renter-occupied units, not the share of households above a threshold.
Rent vs. Own
Median gross rent is $847 per month; median selected monthly owner costs are $725. These ACS medians describe different tenure groups and are not a personalized rent-versus-buy calculation.
Income Needed
Using the common 30% budgeting benchmark, $33,880 in annual gross income would allocate 30% to the county's median gross rent. This is a reproducible illustration, not evidence that a particular household can afford housing.
Regional Context
The Alabama unweighted mean of county median rents is $820 per month. Etowah County's $847 median is 3.3% above that comparison value.
Data version acs5-2020-2024 · Method cost-advisory-v2
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Etowah County
Rent Burden
18.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,273
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.9%
of gross income
The median home in Etowah County may be a stretch
Median home value is $167,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,334 vs. your max of $1,273.
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 Etowah County, Alabama?
What is the median rent in Etowah County?
Is Etowah County affordable?
How does Etowah County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Etowah County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Etowah County, Alabama? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Etowah County
Whether you're buying in Etowah County, Alabama, or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders using the terms each lender provides.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2020-2024). Data is informational only and is not personalized financial advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.