Cost of Living in Jackson County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jackson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jackson County ranks #446 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 14%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jackson County, Alabama
Jackson County maintains steady affordability
Jackson County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Alabama's average, signaling moderate housing burden relative to national stress levels. At $49,454 median income—34% below the U.S. average—residents rely on relatively modest rents ($762/month) to keep housing manageable.
Slightly above-average affordability for Alabama
Jackson County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio hovers just above Alabama's 18.0% state mean, placing it in Alabama's middle tier. This suggests typical affordability conditions compared to state peers, neither notably stressed nor exceptionally relaxed.
Lowest rents in the comparison group
At $762 monthly, Jackson County offers the third-lowest median rent in this eight-county sample, trailing only Lamar ($548) and Hale ($723). Despite lower incomes than Henry or Lawrence Counties, Jackson's affordable rental market provides real value.
Jackson County household spending reality
Renters earning Jackson's $49,454 median income (approximately $4,121 monthly) allocate $762 to gross rent, leaving roughly $3,359 for other essentials. Homeowners pay $595 monthly on average, with median values of $145,800 providing accessible entry points.
Budget-conscious renters should compare Jackson
Jackson County delivers solid rental affordability ($762) for families earning $45,000–$55,000, though incomes here trend lower than neighboring counties. This is a smart choice for retirees and fixed-income households seeking genuine affordability without sacrificing too much.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jackson County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Jackson County is affordable. The median rent is $762/month against a median household income of $49,454, putting rent at 18.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Jackson County is $762/month, while owner costs run $595/month. Owning saves approximately $167/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,500/year. With a median household income of $49,454, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Jackson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Alabama, Jackson County is more affordable than Escambia County by roughly 7% ($762/mo vs $709/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jackson County
Rent Burden
18.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,154
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.4%
of gross income
The median home in Jackson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $145,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,164 vs. your max of $1,154.
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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