Cost of Living in Lamar County, Alabama

$548/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$112,700
Median Home Value
31% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$548/mo
31% below state average
Median Home Value
$112,700
60% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
31.0%
% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating
Unaffordable
Rent over 50% of income

How Lamar County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Lamar County$548/mo
Alabama Average$799/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$548/mo
Median Gross Rent
$112,700
Median Home Value
$494/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
31.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Lamar County, Alabama

Lamar County offers exceptional affordability

Lamar County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable, well below both national and state average benchmarks. At just $548 monthly for median rent—the lowest in this eight-county sample—Lamar delivers genuine housing security for working families.

Alabama's most affordable county option

Lamar County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio significantly beats Alabama's 18.0% state average, making it the most affordable jurisdiction in this comparative group. This exceptional affordability gap reflects the county's truly modest cost structure.

Lowest rents across all eight counties

Lamar County renters pay $548 monthly—$175 less than the second-lowest (Hale at $723) and nearly $600 less than Jefferson County. Even with somewhat lower incomes ($47,447), Lamar's rent burden remains the lightest in the entire sample.

Lamar County's unbeatable housing math

Households earning $47,447 annually ($3,954 monthly) dedicate just $548 to rent—a mere 13.9% of income. Homeowners enjoy $494 monthly costs, with median home values of $112,700 making homeownership accessible to first-time buyers and modest earners.

Unbeatable value for budget-first movers

Lamar County is the top choice for remote workers, retirees, and families prioritizing cost of living—housing here costs half what Jefferson County demands. If affordability is paramount and rural charm appeals, Lamar delivers exceptional value unmatched in this region.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Lamar County

$

Rent Burden

13.9%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,107

per month

Owner Cost Burden

12.5%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Lamar County

Median home value is $112,700. Estimated monthly cost: $900 vs. your max of $1,107.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio13.9%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lamar County, Alabama?
Lamar County, Alabama has a median monthly rent of $548/mo and a median home value of $112,700. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 31.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Lamar County?
The median gross rent in Lamar County is $548/mo. This is 31% below state average for Alabama.
Is Lamar County affordable?
Lamar County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 31.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Lamar County's rent compare to the state average?
Lamar County's median rent of $548/mo is 31% below state average of $799/mo for Alabama.
What is the median home value in Lamar County?
The median home value in Lamar County, Alabama is $112,700. This is 60% below the national median home value of $281,900.
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.