Cost of Living in Madison County, Alabama

$1,116/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$267,800

Median Home Value

40% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,116/mo

40% above state average

Median Home Value

$267,800

5% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

27.0%

% 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 Madison County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Madison County$1,116/mo

Alabama Average$799/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,116/mo

Median Gross Rent

$267,800

Median Home Value

$1,097/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

27.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Madison County, Alabama

Madison County: affluent and affordable

Madison County boasts a 16.0% rent-to-income ratio—well below the national average—paired with median household income of $83,528, which exceeds the U.S. median by 12%. This rare combination of high wages and controlled housing costs makes the county exceptionally attractive.

Second-best affordability in Alabama

Madison County ranks near the top of Alabama counties for housing affordability, with renters spending significantly less of their income on housing than the state average. The 16.0% rent-to-income ratio reflects strong regional job markets and reasonable housing supply.

Premium prices, premium incomes

Madison County's $1,116 median rent is the highest among these counties, yet the 16.0% affordability ratio remains excellent due to exceptional median income of $83,528. Neighbors with lower rent often have proportionally lower incomes, making Madison's balance unique.

Housing leaves room to save

Renters pay $1,116 monthly while homeowners pay $1,097 on a $83,528 income, consuming roughly 13-16% of household earnings. This efficiency leaves Madison County households with substantial discretionary income compared to regional peers.

Madison County rewards ambitious relocators

If you're earning above-average income or seeking professional opportunity, Madison County delivers both competitive wages and reasonable housing costs. The county represents Alabama's best-performing housing market for affluent residents seeking quality of life.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Madison County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

16.0%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,949

per month

Owner Cost Burden

15.8%

of gross income

The median home in Madison County may be a stretch

Median home value is $267,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,138 vs. your max of $1,949.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio16.0%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Madison County, Alabama?

Madison County, Alabama has a median monthly rent of $1,116/mo and a median home value of $267,800. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 27.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Madison County?

The median gross rent in Madison County is $1,116/mo. This is 40% above state average for Alabama.

Is Madison County affordable?

Madison County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 27.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Madison County's rent compare to the state average?

Madison County's median rent of $1,116/mo is 40% above state average of $799/mo for Alabama.

What is the median home value in Madison County?

The median home value in Madison County, Alabama is $267,800. This is 5% below the national median home value of $281,900.