Cost of Living in Franklin County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Franklin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Franklin County ranks #1,025 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 33%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Franklin County, Alabama
Franklin's rents align with southern affordability
Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% beats Alabama's state average of 18.0%, and monthly rents of $667 run $132 below state median. With median household income of $51,493, Franklin delivers better-than-typical affordability for a county ranking below the national income average of $74,755.
Above-average affordability statewide
Franklin's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Alabama's state average of 18.0%, placing it among the state's stronger markets for rental affordability. The county demonstrates that moderate incomes and controlled rents can work in tandem to ease housing burden.
Solid middle ground among comparable counties
Franklin's $667 rent and 15.5% ratio split the difference between Fayette's exceptional 14.7% and Etowah's strained 18.3%. At $51,493 median income, Franklin sits comfortably between lower-income Escambia ($44,447) and higher-income Elmore ($75,553).
Balanced housing costs for renters and owners
Renters spend $667/month (15.5% of income) while homeowners average $570/month on properties valued at $128,000. Total housing costs consume roughly one-third of household income, maintaining reasonable affordability across both rental and ownership paths.
Franklin suits relocators seeking balanced options
Franklin County works well for households earning $50,000–$52,000 who want affordability without the lowest-cost tradeoffs of rural markets. Compare Franklin's 15.5% rent ratio and $667 monthly rent to neighbors Fayette (14.7%) and DeKalb (16.0%) to fine-tune your relocation choice.
Cost of Living Advisory: Franklin County
Affordability Verdict
Franklin County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $667/month — about 15.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Franklin County is $667/month, while owner costs run $570/month. Owning saves approximately $97/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,429/year. With a median household income of $51,493, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Franklin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Monroe County where rent averages $721/month, Franklin County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Franklin County
Rent Burden
15.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,202
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Franklin County
Median home value is $128,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,022 vs. your max of $1,202.
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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