Cost of Living in Lee County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lee County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lee County ranks #2,363 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lee County, Alabama
Lee County rents stretch paychecks
Renters in Lee County spend 19.6% of their income on housing, above the national average of 18.0%. With a median household income of $61,123—about 18% below the U.S. average—housing costs take a slightly larger bite here than they do nationally.
Middle-of-pack affordability in Alabama
Lee County ranks mid-tier among Alabama counties for rental affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio matching the state average of 18.0%. At $999 monthly rent versus the state median of $799, Lee residents pay a premium for regional housing.
Costlier than surrounding areas
Lee County's $999 median rent significantly exceeds nearby Marshall County ($765) and Macon County ($709), though it trails Madison County ($1,116). Among immediate neighbors, Lee ranks as one of the pricier options for renters seeking regional housing.
Housing eats 19.6% of income
Renters pay $999 monthly while homeowners pay $1,048—nearly identical burdens—on a median income of $61,123. Together, these housing costs consume roughly one-fifth of household income, leaving less room for other expenses than the state average suggests.
Considering Lee County? Compare wisely
If you're relocating to the region, Lee County offers moderate housing costs paired with reasonable income levels—but check neighboring Marshall or Macon counties for potentially lower rents. With homeownership and renting costs nearly equal here, buyers and renters face similar affordability pressures.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lee County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Lee County is affordable. The median rent is $999/month against a median household income of $61,123, putting rent at 19.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $999/month rent versus $1,048/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $49/month cheaper — a 5% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $44,914/year. With a median household income of $61,123, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Lee County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Montgomery County where rent averages $1,061/month, Lee County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lee County
Rent Burden
19.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,426
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.6%
of gross income
The median home in Lee County may be a stretch
Median home value is $238,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,906 vs. your max of $1,426.
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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