Cost of Living in Geneva County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Geneva County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Geneva County ranks #445 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 14%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Geneva County, Alabama
Geneva rents approach state-average burden
Geneva County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% sits just below Alabama's state average of 18.0%, reflecting typical affordability challenges across the state. Renters pay $757/month, a figure closer to Alabama's median of $799, while median household income of $50,951 trails the national average of $74,755.
Near the middle of Alabama's affordability spectrum
Geneva's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio edges slightly better than Alabama's state average of 18.0%, placing it in the middle tier of state affordability. The county represents mainstream Alabama housing dynamics—modest incomes with moderate rent burdens.
Higher rents than most—but offset by value
Geneva's $757/month rent exceeds Fayette ($622), Franklin ($667), and DeKalb ($683), yet its 17.8% ratio beats Etowah (18.3%) and Escambia (19.1%). The county balances higher rents with reasonable income levels, delivering middle-ground affordability for the region.
Housing costs remain manageable overall
Renters spend $757/month (17.8% of income) while homeowners average $557/month on median-valued homes of $120,200. Combined housing expenses stay under one-third of household income for most families, though renters experience slightly more burden than homeowners.
Geneva offers middle-ground relocation appeal
Relocating families earning $50,000–$52,000 will find Geneva's 17.8% rent ratio and $757 monthly cost reasonable, though neighboring Fayette (14.7%) and Franklin (15.5%) offer better affordability on similar incomes. Weigh Geneva's slightly higher rents against local amenities and job prospects before deciding.
Cost of Living Advisory: Geneva County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Geneva County is affordable. The median rent is $757/month against a median household income of $50,951, putting rent at 17.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Geneva County pay $757/month on average, compared to $557/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 26%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,871/year. With a median household income of $50,951, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Geneva County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Wilcox County where rent averages $699/month, Geneva County is approximately 8% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Geneva County
Rent Burden
17.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,189
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Geneva County
Median home value is $120,200. Estimated monthly cost: $960 vs. your max of $1,189.
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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